New Report Reveals Growing Pressure On Social Care Workforce
More than half of care workers have considered leaving the sector in the last year, according to a new report highlighting the growing pressures facing the social care workforce.
Despite these challenges, most respondents remained positive about the profession, with more than half saying they would still recommend a career in care because of the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
A survey of current and former care workers, conducted by specialist in social care qualifications NCFE, found that 53% of those currently working in the sector had thought about changing careers, with a quarter (25%) actively looking to do so. The research also explored career prospects, with almost half (45%) of respondents either disagreeing or being unsure that clear progression pathways exist.
Findings from Staying, leaving, or progressing? A snapshot of the social care workforce paints a picture of a workforce that remains committed to supporting vulnerable people but is increasingly challenged by issues around pay, working conditions, and limited career progression and professional development opportunities.
Michael Lemin, Head of Policy and Strategy at NCFE, said: “We hear a lot about the recruitment and retention challenges in the social care sector, but not enough from those on the frontline. That’s why we decided to directly explore how those working in a range of different roles are feeling when it comes to career progression opportunities, professional development, and whether they see a long-term future in care.
“While pay and working conditions continue to underpin much of the dissatisfaction within the sector, a significant number of care workers also pointed to a lack of career progression opportunities.
“The findings show there is work to be done to recruit and retain the numbers required to deliver social care to an increasingly ageing population. However, they also show a clear appetite for education and development. We now need to harness this desire to learn and create a system that makes entering employment easier, while providing the recognition care roles deserve.”
Recruitment and retention pressures remain high across the sector, with those considering leaving their roles citing poor pay, difficult working conditions, and limited opportunities for progression as the main reasons behind their decisions.
Among former care workers, respondents described pay as not reflective of the responsibilities and unsociable hours associated with care roles. Others highlighted burnout, mental health concerns, and a lack of respect for the profession as factors that contributed to their decision to leave.
Current workers echoed these concerns, reporting high workloads, staffing shortages, low morale, and feeling stretched by increasing demands.
One anonymous respondent said: “I’m actively looking for another position as staffing is bad. The staff morale is bad. Staff are blamed for everything. As carers, we get hit, thumped, kicked, spat at and get racially abused. For minimum wage.”
When asked what would help them progress in their careers, 81% selected regulated qualifications, making it the most commonly identified factor. Better pay and conditions were also ranked highly.
Despite these challenges, respondents described care work as a career that provides a strong sense of purpose, enables people to support those in need and offers opportunities to develop valuable personal and professional skills.
This is echoed by another anonymous respondent: “My proudest moment as a carer would be when I realised it isn’t just a job; you grow bonds and you’re a type of family to the clients. They depend on you, more than you will ever know, and not just physical dependency. Mental dependency, someone they look forward to talking to as you may be the only person they have anymore.”
The report concludes that the future of social care depends not only on attracting new talent into the sector, but also ensuring existing staff feel valued, supported and able to progress throughout their careers.
To read the full report visit: https://www.ncfe.org.uk/social-care-workforce-report/
