Rethinking the Language Around Care Work

Yvette Cooper (Home Secretary May 2025), referred to ‘unskilled roles’ in an interview with BBC. Language matters, and this isn’t the first time impactful care work has been undermined by the term “unskilled”. This word has appeared in government documents, immigration policies, and media coverage countless times in recent years—usually in reference to roles like care work.

Whilst it is meant to describe roles that don’t require formal qualifications or degrees, the use of the term undervalues roles that are not only complex and emotionally demanding, but also vital to the wellbeing of others and the state of our society as a whole.

Skills beyond the certificate

Care work may not always involve traditional qualifications but it absolutely demands a wide range of skills—many of which are developed through experience, resilience, and a deep sense of empathy.

Supporting someone with personal care, understanding the needs of someone living with dementia, or responding calmly and confidently in a medical emergency all require a high level of competence. Care workers manage medication, provide emotional support, maintain professional boundaries, and often advocate on behalf of the people they support.

These are not minor tasks. They are essential, and they require dedication and the ability to adapt to each individual’s needs.

The role of compassion and integrity

What sets great care workers apart is not just what they do, but how they do it. Truthfully, most people can make a bed, tidy the kitchen, or complete a task for somebody else. But care workers aren’t just doing tasks, they’re providing comfort and a support system to their patient. Compassion, patience, and integrity are at the heart of this work, and those qualities are not easy to measure.

That doesn’t make these workers less important. In fact, these so-called “soft skills” are often the foundation of trust, safety, and dignity for those receiving care and make all the difference.

Shifting the conversation

When we use terms like “unskilled,” we risk underestimating the value of roles that are vital to our communities. It’s not about denying the need for immigration reform or better workforce planning, it’s about recognising the reality of what care work involves and respecting the people who do it.

The care sector needs support, investment, and visibility, and it also needs to be accurately understood. Calling it “unskilled” not only misses the point, it may discourage the very people we most need to attract to this profession.

A more accurate lens

Let’s start championing care work for what it is: skilled, demanding, and essential. It plays a critical role in people’s lives every single day.

A Guardian reader wrote in to respond to Yvette Cooper’s words, and I think it sums the sentiment up appropriately -                                

“Yvette Cooper should spend a week doing some care work shifts, or simply ask our clients about the service they receive, and then tell us whether the job is “low-skilled”.

Care work deserves to be recognised for its true value—not only in policy, but in the words we choose to describe it.

Author Bio: Chania Fox is a freelance writer with experience in publishing and copywriting. Chania has previously worked for Linen Press, the UK's leading independent female publishing press, as well as working as a copywriter for a global design consultancy with high-profile international clients. She is also available on Linkedin.

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