Hundreds of care workers will have their professional registration fees paid by South Ayrshire Council if a proposal is passed by councillors.
Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration costs between £25 and £80.
If approved by cabinet on Tuesday, the proposal will see the initial and annual fees for those earning up to £12.77 an hour, paid by the council.
There are currently 722 posts that would be covered by the proposal, including home care, social care workers, mobile alarm attendants and play assistants.
In total, their registration fees cost in the region of £22,000.
Council officials worked with trade unions to draft the plans.
In March, SAC approved a motion that highlighted the work that had been carried out on employees’ pay, which was higher than the national living wage, making SAC a ‘more attractive employer’.
The motion, proposed by SNP councillors Julie Dettbarn and William Grant, stated: “The council wishes to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the fair pay agenda in South Ayrshire and to continue to reflect our recognition of the dedication and service shown by frontline staff.”
As registration payments can only be paid by employees themselves, they would have to pay for the registration and claim back via expenses.
The report concludes: “The cost of implementing the proposals will be £21,920 and will be met in year from the 2022/23 employee costs underspend.
“Future costs will be included as part of payroll management within the annual budget setting process.”
South Ayrshire Council Cabinet will consider the paper on Tuesday, August 30.
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