Unveiled in September, the FPA aims to boost care workers' weekly wages by 2028.

Charlie McCurdy, economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: ‘The Government should get the new body up and running quickly and keep its initial focus on the core issues of pay, progression and training. The new body will also need teeth to ensure that the higher standards are enforced.'

The think-tank calls for the Government to learn from international experience with several years of policy design in New Zealand being abandoned following a change of administration.

It cites the example of the Low Pay Commission in 1998, which had modest beginnings but got off the ground quickly, and over the past three decades has evolved into a core part of the UK's policy landscape.

The Foundation welcomes that pay-related elements of the FPA will be enforced by the new Fair Work Agency but argues that it should take on a greater role and enforce any elements of the FPA where there is a clear case of non-compliance.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘This Government is taking action to support and value our vital care workforce by putting more money in their pockets.

‘We are delivering the first ever Fair Pay Agreement, backed by £500m, while also expanding career opportunities, and investing £12m in learning, development and new qualifications for care staff.

‘A public consultation on the Fair Pay Agreement is open until mid-January which is seeking the views from a range of voices on the design of the process.'