TRADE unions have launched a petition calling on the next Welsh government to establish a national care service for the country.

Plaid Cymru and the Labour-run Welsh government agreed to explore such a service as part of their co-operation agreement, which collapsed last year.

October’s Caerphilly by-election saw the incumbent party come a distant third behind winners Plaid and Reform. The next Senedd elections are due in May.

As TUC Cymru launched its campaign for care services in Wales to be publicly delivered, publicly funded and publicly accountable, policy officer Amber Courtney said: “The trade union movement has spent years campaigning for care services to be fixed in Wales.

“The problems in the sector are well known. 

“Older people deserve dignity, not commodification. But right now, across Wales, private companies are making profit out of running care homes while too many residents get poor-quality care and skilled staff are underpaid and undervalued.”

Four in five Welsh adults told a recent survey for TUC Cymru that care services across Wales should be consistent.

Three in four called for care to be free at the point of need, 79 per cent backed improved pay, conditions and career opportunities for care workers and ensuring that care is delivered as a public service, rather than for profit.

Ms Courtney added: “It is clear that the public in Wales share our views on how care services should be run and the problems that need to be addressed.   

“With such strong public support, we need action and progress from both the current and next Welsh government.”

To sign the petition, go to tinyurl.com/soccarepet.