The Blue Light Card

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Find out more about the Blue Light Card. PAs are currently not eligible for the card, but you may be eligible if you work in another social care role.

ID Badges for PAs

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The PA Network Scotland offers ID badges, approved by the Scottish Government, to all registered PAs, in order to provide them with a recognisable form of ID.

Self-Employed PAs

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It is important for PA Employers to understand the difference in employment status between an employee and a self employed PA. This is because it can be very difficult to identify someone as being a self employed worker. If this is not done correctly, this could lead to significant financial costs for the PA Employer, which could even happen many years after the PA had worked.

Being Employed as a PA by a Family Member

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It is possible for a PA to be employed by a family member to provide care and support to them. However, this is still seen as an 'exceptional circumstance', which means it wouldn't normally happen unless it is for specific reasons.

Can I be a Carer as well as a PA?

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You may be working as a Personal Assistant and also have a caring role in your life. It could be important to know if you are a carer as you might be able to access further support for yourself or for the person you care for.

There is Free Support Available for PAs

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Anyone who is a PA, or thinking about becoming one, can access free help, guidance or support. Connecting to a support network can be really helpful at any stage.

Personal Assistants’ Programme Board

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Information about the PA Programme Board, which brings together PAs, Employers, Scottish Government and others to further develop and recognise the role of the PA.

Minimum hourly rate for PAs

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New/Updated
Each year, the Scottish Government sets the minimum hourly rate of pay for Personal Assistants. This article explains what the current national minimum rate of pay for PAs is.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG): For PAs

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What the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is and how this relates to the role of a PA

What does my Employer have to do to Protect me from COVID-19?

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Employers have a legal duty to make the workplace safe for all staff. It’s the employer's responsibility to regularly carry out workplace risk assessments and take steps to reduce Covid risk. Employees also have a responsibility to follow safe working practices.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information contained in this Handbook is provided for guidance purposes only. Every reasonable effort is made to make the information accurate and up to date, but no responsibility for its accuracy and correctness, or for any consequences of relying on it, is assumed by Self Directed Support Scotland or any other contributing party.

The information does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice. You are strongly advised to obtain specific, personal and professional advice from a lawyer about employment law matters, or an accountant/ tax specialist about taxation matters, and from HMRC and your insurers. You should not rely solely on the information in this Handbook. Support organisations listed in this Handbook can help you find appropriate sources of advice.