Labour has called on the government to close the loophole that means some care workers are not paid for time travelling between visits.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire have written to Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg requesting a parliamentary slot to debate the home care pay issue.
An estimated 250,000 home care workers in England are thought to be on zero hours contracts with many staff not paid for the journey time between houses for visits.
Labour has demanded a vote on legislation introduced by its MP Paula Barker that would close the loophole.
“It is a national disgrace that care workers are being paid less than the legal minimum wage, never mind a fair wage that they can live on,” said Rayner (pictured).
“Labour will end this scandal and treat our social care heroes with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said front-line care workers are being “exploited” and urged ministers to deal with the loophole immediately.
“Ending the unscrupulous practices that blight the care sector cannot come soon enough. This includes not only action on low pay, but the use of zero-hours contracts and inadequate sick pay,” she added.
