Statement about the adult social care sector and workforce in England
Adult social care job vacancies in England have been found to be far higher than before the pandemic. Our CEO Ruth Owen OBE has issued a statement about the issues this raises.
“Social care staff were at the frontline of the pandemic, many providing 24/7 support. At the peak of the crisis, it was widely recognised that their vital work had previously been hugely undervalued.
“Long-term underfunding, recruitment, and retention problems in the sector were compounded by a national emergency that tested the endurance of even the most dedicated staff. Social care needs urgent investment right now to prevent the system from collapse, as well as a sustainable long-term funding solution.
“Good social care creates independence and choice for disabled people, meaning they can live the lives they choose. We need a bold blueprint for the future that makes social care more attractive as a career. Disabled people’s needs and daily experience must be at the very heart of future reform.
“Many of us will need social care at some point in our lives so getting this right should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”