Private UK care homes’ profit margins soared in pandemic, research finds

Amid staffing crisis and warnings that system is deeply flawed' companies caring for elderly and disabled enjoyed financial success

The UK's biggest care home chains saw their profit margins jump by 18% on average during the pandemic, new research shows, while the highest paid director's salary surged to 2.3m.

Amid a social care staffing crisis, and warnings from medical leaders that the system is deeply flawed" and in need of urgent reform, analysis seen by the Observer lays bare the financial successes of major providers caring for elderly and disabled people.