The InLine Care Update – October 2026 (carers)

Your October InLine Care Update for people working in care: news, career information and practice tips from News & Guides.

InLine Care Team · 19/10/2026

Your October InLine Care Update for people working in care: news, career information and practice tips from News & Guides.

In this issue

Fair Pay Agreement for care workers: £500m and a first deal from April 2028
The first Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care in England: £500m committed, negotiations from April 2027, first agreement from April 2028.
The Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate: what carers need to know
A new Ofqual-regulated qualification built on the 16 Care Certificate standards, recognised across the sector, and your employer can claim funding.
DBS check fees cut from 5 October 2026: the new prices
Enhanced DBS checks now cost £41, Basic and Standard £20, and the DBS Update Service £15 a year. What changed on 5 October 2026.
The 5 rights of medication administration: a quick guide for carers
Right person, right medicine, right dose, right time, right route. The five checks before giving any medication, and what to do if something doesn't match.
Sick pay from day one: what's changed for care workers
Since April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is paid from your first day off sick. What it means for care workers and where to check your rights.