As We Recover From Covid, The Government Is Investing To Support The Social Care Workforce
3 min read
The Covid pandemic has been challenging for all of us, but perhaps the greatest impacts have been felt by our health and care staff.
Those working in the adult social care sector have faced the pandemic head on – caring for our elderly relatives and friends, looking after the vulnerable, and going above and beyond to keep those we love safe.
I want to once again thank those working in the adult social care sector for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.
But words are not enough. Those working in social care – both paid and unpaid – deserve not only our gratitude. They deserve a system that works for them. They deserve to see their hard work recognised.
We know what the problems are. High turnover in the workforce. Carers feeling underappreciated. Staff leaving because they don’t see a future in the sector.
Make no mistake, this is a complex problem. There have been long-standing gaps in the social care workforce for years, and this has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
But rather than kicking the can down the road, this Government is taking action.
With money raised from the new Health and Social Care Levy – which comes into force from this Wednesday - and as part of our vital social care reform, People at the Heart of Care, we will invest at least £500 million into the social care workforce over the next three years.
The investment and the changes we are making will have clear benefits for both the taxpayers who are contributing to this vital Levy and members of the social care workforce.
For those of us needing social care that means a higher standard of care will be available, for family, loved ones and friends who are receiving care. This investment will help to level up the quality and safety of care received, wherever you are in the country.
The reforms will allow you the peace of mind to know your needs will be met without having to face catastrophic care costs, with more support and state-of-the-art technology to allow more people to remain in the comfort of their own homes – as well as more suitable housing options for those with more complex needs.
And for those working in social care, it will mean more opportunities to progress their careers. We will work with the sector to develop a universal knowledge and skills framework, underpinned by significant government investment in training and development.
This will provide a clear career pathway for those working in the sector and show how they can progress – from a young carer taking on their first role, to Registered Managers and beyond.
We’re also funding Care Certificates and working to make it easier for care workers to move roles within the sector, with a new digital hub and portable record of learning and development.
Care workers often work long and gruelling hours – particularly during the pandemic – and this undoubtedly takes a toll on their mental health. So we’re offering mental health resources and better access to occupational health to protect care staff wellbeing and resilience.
Combined, all of these things mean a bigger, more resilient, and better-equipped social care workforce.
Staff in the adult social care sector give so much. Now it’s time to give back.
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