This consultation ended 28 April 2026.
Summary of outcome
The analysis of the responses to this consultation is ongoing. Details of the outcome will be published here by the end of the Summer.
Overview of responses
The consultation received 63 responses from a broad range of stakeholders. Overall, respondents agreed that the Social Care Negotiating Body (SCNB) should be an independent, credible and authoritative body with balanced representation from workers and employers.
While views differed in some areas, there was broad consensus on the need for meaningful workforce and employer representation with clear governance arrangements, expert support, a fair and transparent funding model, and robust evidence to inform negotiations.
Original consultation
We are seeking your views on proposals to establish a Social Care Negotiating Body for Wales to negotiate fair pay agreements for the social care workforce, including its structure, functions and potential impact.
Consultation description
The UK Employment Rights Act 2025 (the 2025 Act) includes powers to establish a Social Care Negotiating Body (SCNB) to agree Fair Pay Agreements for the Social Care Workforce in Wales. Welsh Government is seeking the views of individuals and organisations in relation to the establishment of a SCNB for Wales.
This consultation does not seek views on the detail of any fair pay agreement, any level of pay or new terms and conditions. These will be agreed through the bargaining process.
The outcomes of this consultation will help us to understand sector views on a range of areas including:
- the SCNB
- the negotiating process
- coverage and remit
- dispute resolution
- implementation
- compliance and enforcement
Consultation documents
Development of a Social Care Negotiating Body for Wales to set Fair Pay Agreements for the social care workforce: Plain English version , file type: PDF, file size: 734 KB
Help and support
Large print, Braille and alternative language versions of this document are available on request.