Social workers have called on the Government to provide them with safety equipment, such as hand sanitizer, in order to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus.
A survey of 1200 social workers by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) has revealed their two biggest concerns are the lack of personal protective equipment and guidance on how to safeguard vulnerable children and families effectively during a lockdown.
BASW are calling on ministers to address the situation ‘urgently’ by equipping teams with hand sanitiser, masks and other essential items to minimise the risk of infection, as well as national guidance for how social workers can do their jobs effectively during the crisis.
‘Social workers are showing incredible commitment to protecting people in the midst of this crisis,’ said BASW chief executive Ruth Allen.
‘They need to see the same commitment from the Government and employers to get them the information, advice and resources that meet their practice needs.’
On the question of safeguarding children, Ms Allen commented: ‘No social worker should be put in a position where they don’t have the information to assess and manage substantial risks to themselves or people they support.’
