Dan Peters 03 March 2022

Councils warn of 'staffing crisis' amid exodus

Councils warn of staffing crisis amid exodus image
Image: Photographee.eu / Shutterstock.com

Councils have warned of a ‘staffing crisis’ as the number of children and family social workers quitting the profession hits a five-year high.

The Local Government Association (LGA) expressed concerns after the latest workforce data showed the number of social workers leaving in 2021 was 4,995 - an increase of 16% on the previous year.

It said the number of vacancies was also at its highest in five years, with 6,522 positions available at the end of September – 7% up on the year before.

Chair of the LGA’s children and young people board, Anntoinette Bramble, said: ‘Councils are facing a staffing crisis in children’s social care, and are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and retain children’s social workers, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

'If this pattern is not swiftly reversed this will, ultimately, put children at more risk.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner