NHS Providers:
New adult social care workforce plan vital to help patients and
NHS
In response to a Skills for Care report on England’s adult social
care workforce, Miriam Deakin, director of policy and strategy,
NHS Providers, said:
“While it’s encouraging to see some ‘green shoots’ as this
comprehensive overview reports, huge obstacles remain which have
serious knock-on effects for service users, patients and the
health and care system.
“Just like the NHS, adult social care is battling to meet growing
demand from an ageing population with more complex needs. Both
need long-term plans to tackle longstanding issues.
“With an estimated 440,000 extra adult social care staff needed
by 2035, the development of a new workforce strategy by Skills
for Care is a welcome step. However, a plan alone will not be
enough unless it is accompanied by sustainable government
investment and support to ensure the sector can not only recruit
but keep much-needed staff.
“Last month the Health Foundation
estimated that social care in England needs more than £8billion
extra from the government just to meet growing demand over the
next 10 years.
“The NHS works hand in glove with the social care sector. It
needs a partner that is properly funded and equipped with the
right numbers and mix of trained staff able to help people stay
independent in the community with the right support, instead of
in hospital.
"The work of social care staff must be better paid, better valued
and better supported to ensure a sustainable, diverse, and
skilled workforce for the future.”
Social care
workforce plan needed - LGA on Skills for Care
report
Responding to the Skills for Care Annual Report, Cllr David
Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s
Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“While this important annual research shows some positive
progress, it also makes clear that there remains much to do to
secure adequate numbers of staff across social care. It crucially
highlights the factors that enhance staff retention, many of
which the LGA has long called for government support for, and
which many councils are acting on in their work with providers,
in order to build and maintain a sustainable workforce.
“A dedicated plan to promote, protect, support and develop
careers in social care, alongside parity of pay and terms and
conditions with the NHS for comparable roles, both strengthen the
wellbeing and recognition of those who work in this essential
vocation, and benefit the people who draw on care.”
