HUNDREDS of care workers should see their pay and conditions improve after their employer agreed to recognise Unison, the union said.

Adferiad, a charity supporting people with mental health and addiction issues, will work with the union to negotiate wages and conditions for its staff.

Unison represents more than 100 care workers at Adferiad which has offices in Swansea and Conwy.

The recognition deal comes hot on the heels of the Welsh government opening its national care and support office on Monday, a key development in the Unison-backed campaign to secure a national care service for Wales.

Unison Cymru/Wales regional secretary Jess Turner said: “Care workers get better pay if they’re in a union recognised by an employer. It’s that simple.

“The pay deal negotiated with Adferiad should now act as a blueprint for employers across Wales to recognise the value of their staff and put more money in their pockets.”

Adferiad chief executive Alun Thomas said: “Unison offers more than a simple union-employer relationship. It provides training, support, and advice for staff.

“We welcome this recognition agreement and are delighted to continue working with Unison, with whom we already have a long and productive relationship.”