Report8th July 2024
Support workers are the backbone of social care. Without them, both the care and health sectors struggle. This manifesto offers a roadmap to retain skilled professionals, reduce reliance on costly agency staff, and improve the lives of those who rely on care every day.
What’s Inside:
- Real-life impact: Meet James, a dedicated support worker whose story shows why many are leaving the sector despite their passion.
- The bigger picture: Learn how staff shortages are affecting care delivery across the UK—and why urgent change is needed.
- Clear solutions: Discover five key proposals to improve pay, training, recruitment, and workforce planning.
Key Recommendations:
- Fair Pay: Match support worker wages to NHS Band 3 to reflect their skills and responsibilities.
- Skills Recognition: Create a national framework to validate care skills and support career growth.
- Inclusive Employment: Remove barriers to apprenticeships and boost employment for disabled people.
- Integrated Care: Build a unified health and social care workforce to ease NHS pressures.
- Strategic Planning: Introduce annual workforce planning to ensure long-term sustainability.