A suggestion that support workers should be more appreciated.

Analysis of an AUT workforce survey carried out in 2019, has found most support carers feel overworked and underpaid.

Less than half of support carers' from a survey of two-thousand 300, felt their pay rate reflected their work responsibilities.

Associate Professor Katherine Ravenswood says despite that, carers still see the positives of their jobs.

She told Kate Hawkesby it's a workforce that values the work they do, and the people they provide care and support for.

"It's a crucial workforce that we should be paying more attention to."

Ravenswood says policy needs to make sure community support workers have adequate weekly hours that are regular and reliable.

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