MOST Brits think that austerity-hit care workers should be paid the same as pharmacy assistants and some other NHS staff, a new poll reveals today.

Some 80 per cent believe social care is “as important or deserves the same respect” as the health service, while two-thirds want care staff to get the same wages as NHS band-three workers, research from learning disabilities and autism charity Dimensions UK shows.

Band-three roles include emergency care assistants, occupational therapy support workers and pharmacy assistants, who receive salaries of between £21,000 and £23,000, depending on experience.