Why it is imperative that social care staffing needs need are addressed - The Yorkshire Post says

While the proportion of men working in adult social care in England has reached a record high, according to the annual State Of The Adult Social Care Sector And Workforce In England report, in a sector often dominated by female workers, there is a need to “stem the tide” of British workers quitting the sector.

In fact the report notes that the increase has mainly been driven by overseas recruitment, with men accounting for 29 per cent of those coming from other countries to work here.

The ageing population and lack of interest in careers in the sector makes this an even more acute need.

There are no easy fixes but the problems can no longer be ignored. A career in social care needs to be valued and working conditions need to improve as well.

“Constructive” talks between social care campaigner Mike Padgham and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock are to be welcomed. The Government will need to work with providers to fix social care and Mr Padgham has long advocated reform of the sector.

“The sector could contribute and employ considerably more if resources were switched from the NHS to support social care,” he says.

This is an important point as for too long, the cart has been put before the horse. Supporting social care more would alleviate the burden on the NHS.