Health and social care ministers in Scotland are scheduled to meet with care home workers who have expressed feelings of being "abandoned" during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Thursday, members of GMB Scotland will hold a protest outside the Scottish Parliament to draw attention to their grievances before engaging in discussions with Health Secretary Neil Gray and Social Care Minister Maree Todd.

A recent survey conducted by GMB Scotland involving 800 care home workers revealed troubling findings regarding the current state of conditions within the private care sector.

The survey indicated that a majority of respondents—62%—believe that working conditions have not improved since the pandemic lockdowns, while 82% report no improvement in staffing levels.

Additionally, 86% of care staff feel their wages are no better today than during the pandemic.

Health and safety conditions appear to have also stagnated, with more than half of the workers—52%—reporting that their homes have failed to enhance health and safety procedures since the onset of COVID-19. A significant majority, totaling 87%, conveyed the belief that care home owners prioritize profit over fair pay and decent working conditions for employees.

In light of these findings, unions previously urged the Scottish Government to restore £38 million in funding that was supposedly allocated for social care but allegedly cut from budgets without public knowledge.

Furthermore, progress toward a promised £15 per hour minimum wage for care workers has reportedly slowed.

Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, emphasized the importance of worker voices being heard during the upcoming meeting, highlighting that many in the sector have not received adequate support: "The staff and residents in private care homes were abandoned during the pandemic when many were not given the proper equipment or guidance to protect themselves or their families."

She asserted that care workers, despite facing substantial risks, have continued to provide essential care, saving numerous lives.

However, Gilmour claimed that their working conditions have not seen meaningful change, stating, "Nothing has changed and, if anything, conditions are even worse now than then.

It cannot go on."

The Scottish Government responded, affirming the vital role of social care workers.

A spokesperson noted significant financial commitments, including an allocation of £125 million in the 2025/26 budget to support adult social care workers in achieving a minimum of £12.60 per hour.

This move is intended to align with the Real Living Wage for the upcoming financial year, pushing total investment in social care pay to £950 million.

Ministers expressed anticipation for the discussions with care home workers on Thursday.