Home care workers employed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are to have average overtime earnings included when their holiday pay is calculated, with retrospective payments expected before the end of 2026.

The development follows concerns raised by North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, who wrote to the Trust after constituents reported losing out because of how their holiday pay was calculated.

From April 2025, arrangements were introduced across Health and Social Care to ensure overtime earnings were reflected in holiday pay. However, Home Care Workers were not covered by an equivalent arrangement due to difficulties with the existing system.

The Trust has now confirmed that an interim process is being developed which will allow average overtime earnings to be taken into account when calculating holiday pay for Home Care Workers.

Work is also under way to identify and make retrospective payments owed to affected staff. The arrangements and back pay are expected to be implemented by 31 December 2026.

Mr Frew said the move would be great news for many Home Care Workers across North Antrim who have been at a disadvantage. He thanked the Trust for its response and said he would continue to engage until the necessary arrangements are in place.

The precise amount due will depend on individual workers' circumstances and overtime earnings.