DHB taken to court over carer pay

DHB taken to court over carer pay

The Ministry of Health and a DHB have been in the Court of Appeal today, trying to overturn a decision that could mean they have to make back-payments to thousands of respite carers.

Jan Lowe was paid just $75 for a 24-hour shift for Capital Coast DHB while caring for people with disabilities when family caregivers were away.

Last year, the Employment Court found she should be considered an employee and therefore was entitled to the minimum wage and other benefits.

"When you break down what they pay people, it's around $3 an hour," Ms Lowe says.

"I don't see how a Government department can get away with doing that."

The union representing carers says the decision will have ramifications for 30,000 workers.

Newshub.