For many Filipinos working overseas, the United Kingdom offers a chance for a better life and a steady income. One popular job there is caregiving, where people take care of those who need assistance. But have you ever wondered how much caregivers actually earn in the UK?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pay and benefits caregivers receive in the UK. We’ll explain everything in simple terms to help Filipino workers, especially those interested in caregiving, understand what to expect financially when working abroad.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Caregiver Pay in the UK: What to Expect
The information presented in this article comes from a YouTube video from the YouTube channel called Ms Emily. In this video, the OFW vlogger reveals her salary in the UK as a caregiver. If you want to watch the full video, click on the link below:
The vlogger spent eight years in Israel before embarking on a new chapter in the UK. Drawing from her experiences, we’ll delve into the fluctuating nature of caregiver rates, which can vary depending on a multitude of factors. From dayshifts to night shifts, weekends to holidays, each day brings its own unique compensation structure.
Contract Details
- The vlogger’s contract specifies a 42-hour workweek, though variations exist among different companies, some offering 40-hour contracts.
- Living 1.5 hours away from London, the vlogger faces higher salaries but also a higher cost of living.
- The 42-hour workweek is consistent, with flexibility in hour distribution, often comprising 12-hour shifts over three days, with remaining hours spread across two days.
- Overtime rates remain consistent with standard hours, with disparities in pay emerging during weekends.
- With a standard 42-hour contract, caregivers accumulate 168 hours of work per month, equating to a monthly income of £1,883 or approximately 131,810 pesos.
For our vlogger, the contract stipulates a standard 42-hour workweek, a figure that may vary among different companies, with some offering 40-hour contracts instead. This seemingly minor difference can have significant implications, not only in terms of hours worked but also in the rates of pay.
The vlogger shares insights into her personal experience and circumstances in England. Residing approximately 1.5 hours away from the bustling capital of London, she finds herself in a region where salaries may be higher, but so too is the cost of living.
Within the framework of her contract, the 42-hour workweek is a constant, a rhythm to which she adheres diligently. However, the distribution of these hours may vary. In the UK, it’s common practice for caregivers to work 12-hour shifts over three consecutive days, with the remaining hours completed over the remaining two days of the week. Yet, as our vlogger notes, flexibility exists within this structure, as management may extend shifts or offer overtime opportunities.
Speaking of overtime, it’s essential to note that while the rate remains consistent with standard hours, disparities emerge when weekends enter the equation. During regular hours, the pay stands at £11.21 per hour for day shifts, a figure subject to change based on various factors such as location and company policies.
With a standard contract of 42 hours per week, over the span of four weeks, caregivers tally a total of 168 hours. At an hourly rate of £11.21, this equates to a monthly income of £1,883.
Translating this into Philippine pesos, typically valued around 70 PHP per pound, the monthly earnings amount to approximately 131,810 pesos.
Yet, this calculation serves as a baseline, accounting solely for day shifts during weekdays and excluding overtime. However, the potential for increased income arises with night shifts, weekend work, and overtime opportunities.
Deductions
- Two key deductions: PAYE and NI (including pension contributions, estimated at £300)
- Net income: £1,583 (equivalent to approximately 110,830 pesos)
- Pension contributions refundable upon retirement; many caregivers return home upon reaching senior status
- Four-day work schedule; questions about how to spend remaining three days
- Part-time work permitted under UK regulations; limited options for caregivers
- Nurses may explore part-time opportunities in hospitals for supplemental income
Two key ones to consider are PAYE (pay as you earn) and NI (national insurance), including pension contributions, which typically amount to around £300, though this is an estimate.
After deductions, the net income stands at £1,583, equivalent to approximately 110,830 pesos. This amount reflects clean earnings, with taxes and pension already accounted for.
Regarding pension contributions, it’s essential to note that these funds can be refunded upon retirement, effectively serving as a form of savings. For many Filipino caregivers, returning home to the Philippines upon reaching senior status is common practice.
Given the condensed work schedule of four days to achieve the weekly 42-hour requirement, questions naturally arise about how to spend the remaining three days. For Filipinos accustomed to keeping busy, the idea of downtime may seem unfamiliar.
However, UK regulations permit part-time work. Still, for those in healthcare or caregiving roles, such as carers, this may be the only permitted form of additional employment. Nurses may explore part-time opportunities in hospitals, providing a supplemental income stream.
Stay with us as we delve deeper into the possibilities and limitations surrounding part-time work for caregivers in the UK.
Other Expenses
- Rent typically takes a sizable chunk, around £600 per month (approximately 42,000 pesos).
- Living arrangements often involve sharing accommodations to cut costs.
- Daily expenses like food and money remittances to family in the Philippines impact the budget.
- A three-year work contract as a carer provides stability but entails potential contractual obligations.
- Extensions are possible, but breaches of contract can result in penalties.
- Contractual penalties are predetermined agreements between parties, stipulating compensation for the aggrieved party.
Now, let’s subtract some expenses. Rent typically takes a sizable chunk, with a modest room setting you back around £600 per month. In Philippine pesos, that’s approximately 42,000 pesos.
Living arrangements often involve sharing accommodations to cut costs, further reducing the financial burden. Additionally, daily expenses like food and money remittances to family back in the Philippines factor into the equation, further impacting the budget.
With a three-year work contract as a carer, there’s a sense of stability, but also the potential for contractual obligations. Extensions are possible, but breaches of contract can result in penalties. These contractual penalties are predetermined agreements between parties, stipulating that the breaching party must compensate the aggrieved party with a sum of money.
Navigating these financial realities requires careful budgeting and adherence to contractual obligations. Join us as we continue to explore the practicalities and challenges faced by caregivers navigating life and work in the UK.
Here’s an additional list of expenses for caregivers in the UK:
- Transportation costs: £100-200 per month
- Utilities: £100-200 per month
- Healthcare expenses: £50-100 per month
- Personal care items: £20-50 per month
- Entertainment and leisure activities: £50-100 per month
- Educational expenses: £50-100 per month
- Socialization expenses: £50-100 per month
- Savings: £100-200 per month
Other Rates
Let’s delve into variations in rates. For those working night shifts, the hourly rate typically sees a bump to £11.70. This adjustment compensates for the unsociable hours and increased demands of working during the night.
Moreover, weekends often command higher rates, with caregivers earning £17.55 per hour for their services. This premium reflects the importance of maintaining staffing levels during peak times when demand for caregiving services may be higher.
Roles of a UK Caregiver
- Personal Care: Caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. They ensure that individuals maintain personal hygiene and dignity while respecting their privacy and autonomy.
- Medication Management: Caregivers help individuals manage their medications by administering prescribed drugs, organizing medication schedules, and monitoring for any adverse reactions or side effects. They may also assist with obtaining medication refills and coordinating with healthcare professionals.
- Mobility Support: Caregivers assist individuals with mobility limitations by providing physical assistance, using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers, and implementing safety measures to prevent falls and injuries. They may also encourage individuals to engage in exercises to improve strength and flexibility.
- Meal Preparation and Nutrition: Caregivers plan and prepare nutritious meals based on dietary requirements and preferences. They ensure that individuals receive adequate nutrition and hydration, monitor food intake, and address any concerns related to dietary restrictions or food allergies.
- Emotional Support: Caregivers provide emotional support and companionship to individuals, offering a listening ear, empathy, and reassurance. They engage in meaningful conversations, participate in activities that promote social interaction and cognitive stimulation, and foster a sense of connection and belonging.
- Household Tasks: Caregivers assist with light household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, and tidying up to ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. They may also help with grocery shopping, errands, and managing finances as needed.
- Health Monitoring: Caregivers monitor individuals’ health status and report any changes or concerns to healthcare professionals. They may track vital signs, observe for signs of illness or injury, and document relevant information to facilitate communication and continuity of care.
- Advocacy and Communication: Caregivers advocate for individuals’ rights and preferences, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in healthcare settings and decision-making processes. They communicate effectively with healthcare professionals, family members, and other stakeholders to advocate for the best interests of the individual.
In conclusion, understanding the salary structure and financial considerations for caregivers in the United Kingdom is essential for Filipino workers seeking opportunities abroad. Through exploring the nuances of contracts, deductions, and earning potentials, we’ve gained insight into the financial landscape of caregiving in the UK.