The Government has announced an extension of pay equity for all community-based social work roles.
On 24 November the Government announced a pay equity settlement has been extended to cover all social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. It means that social workers will receive the same pay equity rate and be fairly paid for the work they do.
Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) has been advocating for the change for the past three years since the first claim was lodged. Historically, social workers have been undervalued as the roles were predominantly undertaken by women. It is a welcome step forward, recognising and valuing the vital mahi of the social work profession.
The impact of the pay equity settlement on the lives of social workers, and the organisations that employ them, is huge. It will also make a positive difference for the children/tamariki, older people/kaumātua, and families/whānau who they support.
