The management of the home care sector in Belgium during the pandemic: fragmented measures or coordinated effort?

In Belgium, as in other European countries, during the COVID-19 pandemic the care sector received special attention because of its “essential” function. This attention, however, was not immediately translated into specific and timely measures to protect workers and beneficiaries, but was on the contrary characterised by fragmented and not always consistent measures. Specifically, as experienced in other European countries, starting from the first lockdown, the health sector was better coordinated and supported, compared to the home care sector, which was initially left without clear guidance. This presentation explores the measures taken by the Belgian government during the different phases of the pandemic with respect to the old care sector, with a focus on home care, and the contribution of the various social partners to the choices made during this period. Based on interviews conducted with representatives of trade unions, employer organisations, as well public bodies responsible for regulating and financing the sector, I explore the role played by each of these actors, both separately and through their joint action. Finally, I discuss the possible long-term consequences for both home care providers and care workers. The results presented here are part of a comparative research involving six European countries.