12 July 2023
The annual Skills for Care Size and Structure of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report has found that the number of filled posts – roles with a person working in them – increased by around 1% (20,000) between April 2022 and March 2023. The previous year, the number of filled posts fell for the first time on record, by around 4% (60,000).
SCIE’s Chief Executive, Kathryn Smith, says:
Although the Skills for Care workforce report shows some positive in-year changes in workforce numbers and reduced vacancies, it is important to step back and consider the overall trends in recruitment and retention. These trends show a social care sector continuing to struggle with a recruitment and retention crisis, one that international recruitment cannot on its own fix. We still require a long-term workforce plan for the sector, one that addresses care workers’ pay, their working conditions and skills development.