REC comments on government update on plans for social workers

Commenting on the government further outlining its plans on the future of child and family social workers, Kate Shoesmith, REC Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“We are glad that the government is willing to consult further on its approach, as that is the way to prevent a chunk of workers leaving the social worker profession entirely. The offer of further engagement with the recruitment sector is particularly welcome because whether local or national, the new rules will have to work with the realities of today’s jobs market. By working together across government, local authorities, recruiters and social workers, we can lessen the risk of losing these vital workers from the sector.

“We understand the need to save money in public sector spending, but targeting agency social workers through a change in rules is not the solution. We need to make social work as attractive a profession as possible – and that means offering flexible work which is only really provided by agency contracts at the moment. There are nearly 13,000 vacancies for social workers in the UK according to our recent data, and four in ten of surveyed children’s social workers who work as temps through agencies told us that they will leave the profession entirely if the proposed government reforms go ahead.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Child and Family Social Worker Workforce Government consultation response – 25 October 2023

Survey adds to call for a rethink of curbs on social workers – REC. May 2023
Four in ten children’s social workers who work as temps through agencies have told REC that they will leave the profession entirely if proposed government reforms go ahead. They predict the impact of the plans will see colleagues quit and children receive worse care.

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