Local authority leaders have warned that the council workforce crisis is threatening vital local services as a new survey reveals more than nine in 10 councils are experiencing staffing issues.

The Local Government Association today published its 2022 Workforce Survey which lays bare the staff recruitment and retention difficulties in the sector.

The poll found, for example, that more than eight in 10 councils are having difficulties recruiting children’s social workers and 72% are having problems retaining them.

It also discovered that 57% of councils are struggling to retain and 71% are struggling to recruit adult social care workers.

Commenting on the findings, Cllr James Jamieson, LGA chairman, said: ‘Working in local government is hugely challenging and varied but equally rewarding. It is a great place to grow your skills and your career.

‘Our workforce changes lives for the better every day and help keep communities running. They care for your family, protect children from harm, ensure your favourite takeaway is safe and keep our streets clean.

‘Local workforce shortages are adding to the challenges facing our local services.

‘In the coming years, some services are likely to continue to see a significant increase in demand which they will not be able to meet without an increase in the supply of skilled staff. Government investment in local government and its workforce is key to ensure services are protected and also to delivering its own policy agenda.’

The survey also found that almost six in 10 councils (58%) are struggling to recruit planning officers and more than a fifth (22%) are experiencing recruitment difficulties for HGV drivers.

Nearly half (45%) of councils which run environmental health services were having difficulties recruiting environmental health officers and 43% were having difficulties recruiting building control officers.