Laura Sharman 10 July 2020

Third of social workers looking to quit profession, survey reveals

A third of social workers are thinking of leaving the profession putting the system at risk of collapse, new research has warned.

A survey by the Social Workers Union reveals that a third of social workers are considering alternative careers as they feel their concerns during the pandemic have been ignored.

Half of those surveyed said they have put their own health at risk during the coronavirus crisis, while one in ten (11%) have felt threatened with disciplinary measures for raising safety concerns.

More than half (54%) said risk assessments have been poor, with a quarter saying measures have been ‘wholly insufficient’.

John McGowan, general secretary of the Social Workers Union, said: ‘The situation is dire and the social work system is on the precipice of collapse.

’Our members are considering leaving the profession en-masse if their concerns aren’t addressed. We have long argued that working conditions for social workers need to be drastically improved and sadly COVID-19 has exacerbated the problems.’

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

Standards, Compliance and Development Manager - Children’s residential provisions

Oxfordshire County Council
£57187.00 - £60485.00
This role will lead on Quality Assurance, Standards development, and Regulatory compliance for Oxfordshire’s residential children’s provision, including the unregulated reforms 2022. The post holder will conduct internal inspections within the registe Countywide
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Streetcare LGV Driver / Operative - WMF2112e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£27,711 - £28,624
Westmorland and Furness Council are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated person into a Street Cleansing role Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Specialist Communication Support Worker (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council puts improving the life of its residents at the centre of everything we do. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Apprentice Social Value

Durham County Council
£14,566
Earn. Learn. Qualify.   Do you want to earn while you learn, with the chance of progression once you qualify? Do you want the opportunity to grow, dev Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Pay Reward and Employment Services Support Officers

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) Pay Award Pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen for ten Pay, Reward & Employment Services Support Officers to join our CIPP accredited team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner