WORKERS at a Keighley-based carer support service have received a pay boost.

Employees with Bradford and Airedale Carer Support, which is run by the charity Making Space, have been awarded a ten per cent pay rise.

The move means that full-time workers will receive an extra £1,950 a year, and all staff across the adult health and social care charity's nationwide services will earn at least £10.90 an hour.

Making Space says this is the second year in a row it has committed to paying the 'real living wage', as calculated by the Living Wage Foundation.

The current national minimum wage hourly rate for adults ranges from £5.28 to £10.42, depending on age.

Around £1.2 million is being invested by Making Space to bring in the pay rises, which will benefit all frontline care and support workers as well as office-based staff.

The charity adds that in addition to the pay increase, employees receive an extensive package of benefits.

Rachel Peacock, chief executive officer with Making Space, says: "Frontline social care workers do an essential job in society, that is supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

"The efforts of everyone at Making Space are nothing short of incredible and my colleagues have my absolute admiration.

"We truly value the hard work, commitment and sacrifice of the dedicated people who provide the best quality care and support to those that use our services.

"Despite the ongoing challenges of their roles, our Making Space colleagues continue to provide outstanding care and support at our services all over the UK. They are professional and skilled people who deserve to be paid at a level that takes account of the real cost of living, which is why we are committed to paying the real living wage.

"But while we will continue to do everything we can to attract and train the best people to deliver the highest level of support, we also need the Government to do more to reform the health and social care sector."

Making Space employs over 1,000 people nationally.

Its provision includes residential homes, an independent hospital, supported living and a range of community-based services including carers, wellbeing support and psychological therapies.

Bradford and Airedale Carer Support, based in Bradford Road, provides help to family carers across the district.

Services include mental health and carer support, as well as information, advice and signposting to other provision.