Skip to content

SCIE responds to the Skills for Care annual analysis of the adult social care workforce in England

10 October 2024

Kathryn Smith, Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), responds to the annual Skills for Care report ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’.

The social care workforce remains in critical condition. The reprieve brought by the record level of international recruitment has been much needed but ultimately not enough to stabilise the sector, which contributes £68.1 billion annually to our economy.

Domestic recruitment and retention are still at a crisis point, with the number of British workers decreasing by around 70,000 over the last two years and the turnover rate for care workers at 41.1%.

The decrease in the number of personal assistants is a significant concern due to the crucial role they play in providing personalised support. The continued reduction could limit options for those requiring care, resulting in unmet needs. Combined with the wider workforce pressures, it highlights that people who employ personal assistants must not be left behind as part of government reform measures.

With a vacancy rate that is three times that of the wider economy, we urge the Government to take bold, decisive action to tackle the workforce’s short-term and long-term needs. This includes addressing low pay, which remains a significant issue, as well as improved employment contracts, better working conditions, career development and training opportunities.

“The roadmap described in the Skills for Care Workforce Strategy provides a springboard for action. By valuing and rewarding the care workforce, we will ensure a better future for the care system, for both the people who work in it and those who rely on it daily.”

Kathryn Smith
Chief Executive of the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

Connect with us

Contact details for the SCIE press office

Free MySCIE account

Get SCIELine ebulletin & access all resources.