Key statistics 

• around 65% of social workers reported insufficient staffing to adequately support people drawing on care and support 

• workers aged 30-39 reported the highest sickness absence and strongest intentions to leave 

• intentions to leave were not strongly associated with region, gender or job role. 

Key messages 

• perceptions of unsafe staffing levels are widespread 

• workload and burnout negatively affect mental wellbeing 

• increased administrative demands reduce time for direct practice 

• reliance on agency staff reflects workforce instability 

• wellbeing concerns are closely linked to intentions to leave the profession. 

Policy implications 

• safe staffing standards are needed to support practice quality and worker wellbeing 

• reducing administrative burden may help retain staff 

• addressing burnout could reduce sickness absence and turnover 

• workforce planning should consider age-related risk of exit from the profession. 

Gaps 

• the sample is weighted towards respondents from Northern Ireland 
• findings rely on self-reported data 

• further research on safe staffing thresholds is ongoing. 

Commentary 
This study highlights the relationship between perceived staffing adequacy, wellbeing and retention among social workers. Many participants described feeling unable to meet the needs of people they support due to insufficient staffing, alongside growing administrative demands. 

The findings show how workload pressures translate into sickness absence and intentions to leave, particularly among mid-career workers. Dependence on agency staff was described as both a symptom and a driver of instability, adding complexity to team functioning and continuity. 

From a care equity point of view, the study illustrates how workforce shortages affect both workers and service users. Where staffing levels are inadequate, social workers have less capacity to provide timely and consistent support, increasing the risk of uneven access and outcomes for people drawing on care and support. At the same time, burnout and poor wellbeing disproportionately affect those in high-pressure roles. 

Overall, the paper highlights that safe staffing is not only a workforce issue but a care quality issue. Improving staffing levels and working conditions is essential to sustaining an equitable social care system that supports both practitioners and the people they serve.