Home care professionals' views on working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: the case of Ireland. (1st February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mercille, Julien; Edwards, Justin; O'Neill, Nicholas
• Is Part Of: International journal of care and caring. Volume 6:Number 1/2(2022)
• Page Start: 85
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2022-02-01
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- home care -- working conditions -- marketisation
• DOI: 10.1332/239788221X16345464319417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2397-8821

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines home care professionals' views on working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, it identifies similarities and differences between private, public and non-profit providers. The article seeks to shed light on the impacts of marketisation/privatisation on working conditions during the pandemic. Statistical tests on 350 questionnaires received from care workers in Ireland demonstrate the difficult working conditions during COVID-19 and variations by type of employer. We discuss an apparent 'return of the state' in home care provision during the pandemic, which may have dampened differences between types of providers.