The Government has announced a comprehensive plan to reform NHS dentistry, aiming to improve access, simplify processes, and ensure fair distribution of services, particularly in rural and coastal areas.

This initiative includes expanding dental services with over 1.5 million additional treatments, introducing mobile dental vans, and offering incentives to dentists working in underserved regions.

The plan also emphasizes preventative care, especially for children, through the "Smile for Life" program and considers long-term workforce development to sustainably meet the country's dental health needs.

Skills for Care and the Department of Health and Social Care are enhancing adult social care through a new care workforce pathway, now in phase two. 

This phase focuses on roles like personal assistants, aiming to define the crucial skills and behaviours for high-quality care. 

They're inviting feedback from employers and personal assistants for a 30-minute informal discussion via phone or video and are offering £20 for taking part.

Starting 1 April 2024, the National Living Wage will see an increase, impacting workers across various age groups across the country:

• For those aged 21 and over, wages will rise to £11.44 per hour.
• Younger workers, aged 18 to 20, will earn £8.60 per hour
• Those under 18 or in apprenticeships will see their wage set at £6.40 per hour.

Individual employers are advised to review these changes and consider contacting their social workers for any required adjustments in funding.

For further assistance, call our advice team on 01903 219482 and select option three or by email advice@independentlives.org.