sleeping on the job

Sleep-in carers provide a marvellous and absolutely invaluable service.  While on duty, they can be asleep but have to keep out a "listening ear" for any activity which mean they have to act to care for the person they are helping to look after.

A carer brought a court case against the UK charity MenCap, arguing carers should be paid for their entire shift and not just the hours they are awake, the argument being that even though they are asleep, they are on duty, away from home and often resting in cramped conditions that can hardly be described as conducive to catching a nap.

She lost.

And I for one think the Supreme Court got this 100% wrong.  My family is benefitting from the extraordinary care that a sleep-in carer provides, often going well above and beyond their normal duties when called upon.

It's just a shame that the people in this country who wield all the power can't do something for the small person who does all the work.  After all, it's not as if they'd ever fall asleep on duty is it?  

Those benches in the House of Commons must be so comfortable.