John Chowcat told Ed Balls that the legal framework covering foster carers is "inadequate" and could be deterring people from entering the profession, thus compounding the national shortage of foster carers.
He told CYP Now: "These people are dealing with looked-after children and need professional support. They don't have employment status so they are like volunteers, who don't get a pension or systematic training or support."
Chowcat claimed that specialist foster carers are especially disadvantaged by the current system, because they look after children with the most significant additional needs full-time.
The union is now considering mounting a legal challenge against the government, which if won, would allow specialist foster carers the right to paid annual leave and trade union representation.
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