THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued a formal warning to a Keston home care agency, saying it is failing to protect the safety and welfare of people.

The warning notice was issued to Mackley Home Care Ltd, Westerham Road, following an unannounced inspection in December 2012.

The agency has been told it must make urgent improvements.

CQC found that there were significant gaps in staff training records, which showed that training was not taking place at the frequency required by the agency’s own policies.

Matthew Trainer, Deputy Director of CQC in London, said: "Providers have a duty to make sure that the people they employ to take care of people in their services are fit for that role.

"Where staff are not adequately supported through relevant training that places people at risk of harm.

"Our inspectors will return in the near future to carry out another unannounced inspection."

If Mackley Home Care fails a future inspection CQC could pursue legal action.

A spokesperson for Mackley Home Care said: "All carers have training but these have to be updated yearly.

"This is where we fell behind in our latest inspection, but we still have 68% of our carers with updates in date.

"We have numerous testimonials from our clients, families and representatives as to the very high standard of care, consideration and professionalism delivered by our carers."