Additional Funding for Workforce Recruitment

In response to the announcement of additional funding for the workforce recruitment and retention fund, Stephen Chandler, ADASS President said:

“The announcement of additional emergency workforce funding at the end of last week is welcome as short-term relief. However, it is a small proportion of what was identified as needed to prevent the collapse of social care in many places. Social care staff delivered a phenomenal 15% increase in home care hours in the last 3 months. But need is far outstripping the ability to deliver care and the impact can be seen in people not getting essential support.

The funding will not enable providers to significantly increase pay or offer the types of winter retention bonuses needed to prevent exhausted colleagues leaving their jobs to move into other work. That would require a much bigger financial investment that would send a clear signal that the committed and courageous people who provide care and support are truly valued. A long term pay rise, professionalisation and a career pathway are what is needed.”