Cornwall care workers could be monitored

Care workers in Cornwall could be monitored when they visit elderly or vulnerable clients.

A number of councils in England already require care workers to telephone an automated-recording system when they arrive at a client's home and telephone again when they are leaving.

It allows employers to log the precise number of minutes spent with a client.

Cornwall Council is talking to care worker providers about establishing a similar system.

'Improve safety'

The council said in a statement: "It's about making sure the care agencies we contract with are performing to the standard we require and are paying for.

"So far the response from providers has been positive and they are keen to work with us on addressing the issues.

"There will be benefits for them too as such systems can improve the safety of employs who are alone and working."

The UK Homecare Association said it was broadly in favour of the idea.

Stuart Roden, from the union Unison, said the move was "understandable".

"Most carers are fantastic but unfortunately some are less than satisfactory and it is about maintaining that consistency," he said.