Richard Foord, the MP representing the Hemlock, Uffculme, and Culmstock areas has called for wage increases for care workers.

The Tiverton and Honiton MP backed Liberal Democrat plans to boost social care worker pay to £12.42 an hour by April.

Mr Foord said: “The social care crisis is having a devastating impact on vulnerable people’s wellbeing, and contributing to record long waits at A&E and terrible ambulance delays in our area."

“Too many people across Devon are stranded in hospital beds because there simply aren’t enough care workers to look after them at home or in a care home."

“The first step to fixing this mess is to pay those working in social care more, to prevent the exodus of workers to supermarkets and other better paid jobs. “I have seen first-hand the incredible job that care workers do day in and day out. This is a job for people who are thoughtful and emotionally skilled; it is such a crucial role, and it should be paid more." 

The fresh proposals by the Liberal Democrats come after local carer vacancies exceed 2,000. In a statement the Liberal Democrats said:

"These chronic staff shortages are leading to patients being left stuck in hospitals waiting for social care, contributing to record-breaking waits in A&E and dangerous ambulance delays." 

"Under the Liberal Democrat plans, social care workers would be paid at least £2 an hour more than the current minimum wage, bringing their pay up to at least £11.50 an hour today - and £12.42 from this April."

The cost of increasing carer pay by by £2 an hour would reportedly cost £890m a year, according to research by the independent think tank, Resolution Foundation.