Underfunded council care leaves providers out of pocket.

A recent report has highlighted the fact that in large areas of the UK local authorities are failing to pay care providers enough to provide a service that can break even, putting huge pressure on their ability to recruit and retain staff.

It means, despite losing staff faster than they can be replaced, companies are unable to raise wages, says the Homecare Association.

Low wages and feeling undervalued are key factors leading care staff to quit, says the report.

Councils say they do not have enough money to pay companies more.

The Homecare Association, which represents some 2,340 care providers, calculates the true minimum cost of providing an hour of homecare in the UK is £21.43.

To read the full story visit the BBC website.