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

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner