A national care service for Wales must begin with £15 an hour for care staff, a union has said.

A minimum of £15 an hour is the “main priority” for care staff in Wales and “must be given the investment it needs”, according to new figures published by Unison.

A survey based on responses representing more than 700 care workers showed almost four fifths (78 per cent) ranked it their chief concern as Welsh ministers prepare to fund the first pay agreement, ahead of a national care service being established.

Also in the three highest priorities were full occupational sick pay, followed by proper payment for sleep-in shifts.

Unison said that improved wages would enable care providers to hire new care staff and keep experienced workers.

The union is calling for a “clear timetable” to establish the social care negotiating body whose role will include agreeing minimum pay with employers and unions.

“A properly funded national care service should be free from profit, with decent and consistent employment standards for staff across the country,” the union said.

Unison Cymru regional secretary Jess Turner said: "Wales cannot build a national care service on poverty pay.

“Care workers have made it clear £15 an hour is the starting point, alongside decent sick pay and conditions.

"A properly funded fair pay agreement can begin to turn care into the valued profession it should be.

“Better wages would help keep experienced staff, provide greater continuity for people who rely on care and ease pressure on families and the NHS.

"Ministers must now establish the negotiating body and put the necessary funding behind what represents the first pay agreement in the sector.

“This will form the foundation for a national care service that's free from profit and delivers quality care for people across Wales."