CPA welcomes 'long-term vision' in workforce strategy

Responding to the launch of A workforce strategy for adult social care in England, Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chair of the Care Provider Alliance said:

“The Care Provider Alliance welcomes the workforce strategy, and we look forward to working with Skills for Care and partners to achieve the ambitions set out.

“Social care contributes over £55 billion to the economy and employs 1.6 million people. A strong social care sector, in concert with the NHS, underpins the government’s mission to increase economic growth. 

“The case for change is stark. Over the next 15 years, we need one million more staff, so we must prioritise making care an attractive, rewarding and long-term career opportunity. At the same time, we must innovate and look for more efficient and effective ways to deploy our care experts. 

“Despite care providers’ best efforts on limited budgets, care workers are amongst the lowest paid staff in the UK, with many facing poverty and even food insecurity. Long service is poorly rewarded – with new staff getting just 8p less per hour than someone with more than five years’ experience. 

“The priority must be on recruiting, training and retaining new staff – including younger people and men. Our sector can and does offer a deep sense of purpose and flexible working arrangements. But we must invest to build and support our essential workforce.

“We welcome the long-term vision set out in this workforce strategy and look forward to working with the new Government, Skills for Care and other care partners to develop and deliver a clear, costed long-term implementation plan.”