Social care workers will be trained to use the latest ‘cutting-edge technology’ to help improve the social care system, Wes Streeting has said.
Speaking at Unison’s 2025 National Health Care Conference, the health and social care secretary said Labour was determined to bring the ‘analogue health service into the digital age’.
He announced plans to professionalise the work force with the introduction of new job roles, including deputy and registered managers, personal assistants and a new care worker role.
He also said £12m would be made available to fund courses and qualifications for carers to develop new skills and advance their careers.
‘We will harness the full potential of cutting-edge technology to transform social care, helping people to live independently in their own homes and improving the quality of care,’ Streeting said.
‘By investing in skills training for care workers, introducing a Fair Pay Agreement, and providing more opportunities for career progression, we will help retain the incredible professionals we need.’
Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, welcomed the announcement but added more funding was required.
‘To go bigger on the use of tech and AI, funding will be needed for scalability, as well as standards and safeguards to reassure and engage social care practice, testbeds, implementation and expertise,’ he said.
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