Sharon*, a care worker for older people from Norfolk regularly does sleep-in shifts, her shift starts at 3pm by cooking the evening meals.

"The people I support need my full attention. That means no rest breaks and only being able to grab a few minutes here and there during quiet periods.

Baths and showers have to be done before bed. Emails have to be dealt with, support and care plans updated, medication booked.

By 11pm, I’m completely exhausted.It's supposed to be our sleep time but it’s my responsibility if anything happens to the residents in the night. And I’m very often working alone.

The people we care for might get up half a dozen times for the toilet during the night. Or they may try and get out of the care home which could put them at risk. We wake up each time and then have to ensure they get back to their room safely.

Sleep-ins aren't currently counted towards our working hours. Yet we cannot simply leave or pop out for a break. We’re here for the duration of our shift, normally for all of the 24 hours.

I’m on again at 7am and there’s still a long day ahead. There are medicines to give out, breakfasts to make, day service runs to do, on top of assisting with personal care and household chores.

The judgement today is a major blow. The work we do supporting vulnerable people is vital. Yet we're left feeling that we're not valued at all.

Names changed for anonymity