More than three-quarters of people who employ a personal assistant to help with their care needs are finding it harder to find and retain one, a new survey has found.
The research, by the Local Government Association (LGA) and Think Local Act Personal, shows that low pay and poor terms and conditions are making it more difficult for people to recruit a PA.
The survey found 77% of people who needs a PA said it was more difficult to recruit one, with two-thirds saying people were taking jobs with better pay rather than PA jobs.
Nearly six in ten people (59%) think it’s harder to find PAs with the right skills, values or training.
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board said: 'It’s worrying to hear about the struggle that many who draw on care have in recruiting and retaining personal assistants and highlights the continued issue all areas of social care currently have with finding and keeping staff.
'Personal assistants are a crucial part of the social care workforce; they deliver brilliant care and support and hugely enhance the lives of the people they work for.'
