Three In Four Scottish Care Homes For Older People Struggle With Recruitment
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today called on the SNP Government to finally invest in care services and staff after a new report found that there are staff vacancies in almost three quarters of care homes and two thirds of care at homes services across Scotland.
The Staff Vacancies in Care Services 2023 report, published by the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), provides data on vacancies reported by care services as of 31 December 2023.
The previous joint report released revealed that vacancies had reached their highest level since the publication of figures began in 2017.
The report revealed that:
- 74% of care homes for older people were reporting vacancies.
- 68% of care homes for adults were reporting vacancies.
- 67% of care at home services were reporting vacancies.
Jackie Irvine, Chief Executive of the Care Inspectorate, said: “The report highlights the extent of the current recruitment and retention challenges being faced by the sector at a time when services are experiencing continued pressure.
“We know there are still many parts of the social service sector finding it challenging to fill vacancies, and this has been a persistent issue for several years. We remain grateful for the dedication and commitment of the skilled and qualified workforce to those experiencing care during these challenging times.”
Maree Allison, Chief Executive of the Scottish Social Services Council, said: “It’s essential we continue to prioritise our work to attract people into careers in social services, providing accessible training, learning and qualifications for people before and after they join the workforce. We need to make sure workers feel valued, respected and supported to continue their social service careers.
“This report is just one aspect of the workforce planning activities undertaken by the Care Inspectorate and the SSSC. Both organisations will continue to work closely with Scottish Government and others to help employers to recruit, retain and develop their staff.”
Mr Cole-Hamilton, pictured left, said: “Care services are stretched to breaking point. Vacancies are rife, meaning more and more demand will simply not be met.”
“The SNP Government wasted four years and £30 million attempting a bureaucratic takeover of social care that was never going to fix core problems. Now they have finally ditched their plans, it’s time to finally invest in the staff and services who need help now.”
“Only Scottish Liberal Democrats have a plan to fix the crisis by introducing a new minimum wage for care workers that is £2 higher. That’s how we can people care at home or in the community, free up space in hospitals and help everyone get seen faster.”
