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

Social Worker/Senior Practitioner - Family Support and Safeguarding - Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£38220 - £49282
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Banbury
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Financial Assessment Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£30,510 - £45,564 per annum
Financial Assessment Officer
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

HDRC Partnerships Officer

Essex County Council
£26786.00 - £31512.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
HDRC Partnerships OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,786 to £31,512 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Delivery Lead

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Lead the daily operations of our SEN service, ensuring every child receives the support they deserve. Working as an SEN Delivery Lead means being at t England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Complex Case Officer (SEN)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Support children and young people with complex needs, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time. Working as a Complex Case Officer in ou England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner