More than half (52%) of adult social workers are experiencing increasingly complex caseloads while resources fail to keep pace with demand, according to a new survey by the Local Government Association (LGA).
The LGA is calling for social work student funding to be brought in line with support available to nursing, allied health, and teaching professionals, warning that high vacancy rates, retention challenges, and placement shortages are undermining the workforce pipeline.
The organisation's 2026 Adult Social Care Employer Standards Health Check survey found widespread pressures across local authorities, including excessive workloads and difficulties maintaining safe staffing levels. Nearly half of non-registered social care workers also reported experiencing excessive pressure.
With more than 56,000 children's and adult social workers employed by English councils, the LGA is urging the Government to strengthen financial support for social work students — particularly those from low-income backgrounds, disabled students, and those with caring responsibilities — as part of ongoing reforms to the Social Work Bursary and Education Support Grant.
