Leaders call for action on social care workforce

Adult social care organisations have come together to call on the government to deliver a long-term care workforce strategy and tackle the issue of care worker pay.

Representing people who draw on care and support, as well as social care providers, care workers and commissioners, the organisations all argue that action on these key issues will help address the serious problem of recruitment and retention and in turn, deliver better support for people across our communities.

Without improving the pay, conditions and career progression opportunities of care workers, the organisations say that it will be difficult to make meaningful progress towards their shared goal of best supporting people to live the lives they want to lead. Collectively they argue that a proper long-term workforce strategy is needed to allow for better workforce planning, including consideration of the types of roles and provision that will be needed in the future, as well as establishing the links that need to be made between the care and health workforces.

A position paper published by the group says: “Social care is at a turning point, with a period of major change taking place over the next two years and major reforms now underway. The role of the workforce must be seen as fundamental to delivering integrated, personalised and preventative care. The insights and expertise of people who draw on social care and the frontline care workforce must be central to this work and serve as the foundation for bringing about a more robust and respected workforce.”

The position paper on adult social care workforce is supported by: Association of Directors of Adult Social Services; Care and Support Alliance; Local Government Association; Skills for Care; Social Care Institute for Excellence; and Think Local Act Personal.