We have a disgraceful situation in our care homes where carers are being paid the minimum wage of £6.25 an hour.

The job they do to care for our elderly, usually very personal contact, are jobs a lot of us could not cope with. Many eastern European people are attracted to this work, even the low wage offers them a better living than back home. And although many of them are totally reliable, dedicated people, the low wage can attract the wrong person.

I know of staff taking short cuts, not looking after people correctly, some staff being just plain lazy.

This pushes more work and demand on to those who are conscientious. I urge everyone who has, or knows someone in care, to try to take an active role, look at them and look at the surroundings. Is it up to standard? Is the attitude of the staff what you would expect?

This is not meant to criticise the hundreds of honest dedicated staff, but a low salary (presumably the private companies are making a fat profit), does lend itself to recruit the wrong people in some cases.

The low wage is a disgrace.

PAUL HUTTON Heron’s Walk, Abingdon