Sleepover payment delays 'add insult to injury' - PSA

Hundreds of community support workers are still waiting for sleepover payments. Photo / Thinkstock

The Public Service Association is accusing the Ministry of Health of adding insult to injury for hundreds of community support workers who are still waiting for sleepover payments.

A Court of Appeal decision in 2011 ruled that support workers on sleepover shifts must be paid the minimum wage, and that backpay should be awarded.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said hundreds of carers were still waiting because of Ministry of Health delays in getting Cabinet approval and final funding sign off.

"These workers, who are already among the lowest paid, have been waiting for years to have their work fairly recognised and are now facing further delays. Well over a year later the Government has yet to deliver on the settlement deal and give these workers what they are entitled to and what they deserve."

Richard Wagstaff says Ministry delays means that is still not being paid out.