Ellie Ames 02 April 2024

Social workers’ concerns not addressed, union warns

Social workers’ concerns not addressed, union warns image
Image: VH-studio / Shutterstock.com

Welfare concerns raised by social workers are not being dealt with, putting vulnerable people at risk, a union has warned.

In a survey of Social Workers Union (SWU) members, two-fifths (40%) of respondents said they had raised concerns in the last 18 months without then seeing appropriate action.

Almost a third (29%) of those who believed their concerns were not addressed appropriately said it happened in more than five cases.

The survey, which was commissioned by The Independent, received 716 responses from the SWU’s 16,000 members.

More than half (58%) of respondents said their caseloads were unmanageable, and most (86%) said they expected referrals to increase in the next year.

The SWU also warned of continuing mental health and recruitment crises, as 86% of social workers said they suffered from stress at work and around half said they were considering leaving the profession.

SWU general secretary John McGowan said the data highlighted ‘a profession on the brink of a collective breakdown’ after more than a decade of austerity.

He added: ‘Social workers speak out and speak up for the people they support, but if they are not listened to, then the risks to children, young people and adults in need are dangerous and severe.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Technician - Maintenance

Essex County Council
£31001.0000 - £36471.0000 per annum
Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Repairs Co-Ordinator

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Be the heart of our community - help us keep homes safe, warm and well-maintained.At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), we believe th England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Museums Operations Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band F, SCP26 - 31 (£36,124 - £40,476) per annum
Sandwell Museums is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Regulation and Compliance Assistant - WMF2056e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586 pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join the Licensing Team within Westmorland and Furness Council Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Community Finance Officer - WMF2059e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£33,366 - £34,314
You will be working in a busy operational finance service Barrow in Furness, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner