Pip Wilkins, chief executive of the British Franchise Association (BFA), recently attended the Provider’s Unite rally in London to support its domiciliary care member franchisors that were protesting at the lack of funding and support for the UK’s care sector.
Pip Wilkins (centre) with Ken Deary, chief executive of Right at Home, the domiciliary care franchise, and Ruth Brown.
An increasing sector in franchising, domiciliary care has seen significant growth as highlighted by the association’s National Franchise Survey 2024. It found the sector (which comes under the Personal Services category) recorded a 53 per cent increase since the previous survey in 2018.
The BFA currently has 26 domiciliary care members who between them have hundreds of franchisees and thousands of care staff.
According to rally organisers, Providers Unite, a coalition that advocates for and unites community care and support providers, the UK’s care sector serves 1.2m individuals and employs a workforce of 1.59m, delivering services valued at £68.1bn.
£8.4bn to meet future demand
Providers Unite analysis suggests that the sector needs £8.4bn to meet future demand, improve care access and cover the full cost of care by 2024/25. It has sent a letter to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, calling for a review of the measures laid out in the 2025 budget.
Ruth Brown, chief operating officer of Home Instead, the domiciliary care franchise, said: “I was delighted to see so many take part in Providers Unite’s Day of Action, including people from across our network. Hopefully the government has taken note of the countless people who don’t believe in rising Employer National Insurance contributions for social care.
“We should be looking at ways to boost recruitment in the sector and supporting the very important role home care plays across the UK. For many years Home Instead have played a key part in helping shape public policy and highlighting the role of the social care sector and we will continue to work with people across the sector to support our rapidly ageing population.”
Wilkins said: “I was very pleased to attend the rally in London recently with many of our domiciliary care members. They each do an outstanding job, offering the highest levels of care and I hope the Government responds to their requests for further funding in a positive manner.
“As the UK’s home of franchising, the BFA is committed to supporting our franchisors however we can, ensuring the sector remains professional, offering positive opportunities for self-employment, whilst ensuring our code of ethical conduct is upheld.”
Posted: 17th March, 2025