Laura Sharman 03 November 2016

Social workers reject 'unsafe' reforms

Plans to allow councils to set up social work trusts could prove dangerous for children, according to a new report from Unison.

A survey of practising social workers by the trade union found only 1% backed the proposed reform t the delivery of children's social care.

Unison said the reforms failed to tackle the fundamental problems faced by social workers such as high caseload levels, a lack of resources and a high turnover of staff.

'The proposals mean there would be no national system for looking after children at risk,' said unison general secretary, Dave Prentis. 'Whether children get the care they deserve could depend on their postcode, rather than the legal protections hammered out over decades.

'The safety of our children is one of the most important responsibilities of government. But these plans show painful lessons from the past have been forgotten by ministers who are now prepared to withdraw essential protection from those least able to help themselves.'

The report said social work trusts would exempt them from some legal duties and would see children's care driven by the market rather than need.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner