The future of the social care workforce…

Jill Manthorpe

Social Care Workforce Research Unit

King’s College London

Jill.manthorpe@kcl.ac.uk

Shape of the pool care homes (1)

Increasing in number of beds Decreasing number of providers + market failures Geographical variations Understated nursing and palliative care roles Still women dominate – as staff and residents Minimum wage/wage compression Staff tenure (3yr average), turnover can be 50% High use of agency and migrant workers Stepping stone to NHS job or training Regulations re employment & training

Shape of the poolCash for care (2)

US demonstration projects found cash attracted eg family,friends, neighbours (Arkansas and New Jersey) but they worked unpaid also

Issues about strain, respect, pay. agreements Cash flexibility also used for goods and

equipment (Maryland) IBSEN evaluation to explore, Direct Payments

relevant

Shape and number of the fish (1)Common issues NMDS – knowing the fish in the pool Increase size of pool, eg disability, migrants,

under rep groups, + older people? Vetting and barring, role of workforce regulation Who pays/cost for continuing training and what is

the impact? (FE?HE + numerous subsidies)

Retention after training

Shape of fish (2)Specific issues Social workers (90k)

increase number but higher demand u curve pattern adult – children split? change of social work role eg AMHP

Shape of fish (3) Specific issues Direct care workers

Decline in middle age, unqualified women Role models and gender + diversity Workpaths of experts by experience eg STR Welfare reforms eg IB, A4Wk, New Deal

50+ Occupational swapping – little known

Herons ? Other low wage or transferable jobs

NHS Sure Start, Connexions, housing, education Retail and service industry Employment with rights, less strain

Lilies ? Job satisfaction

Higher in social care than many others eg accountants, teachers

Always needed Roles changing and more technological

support Increased awareness of HR and local

market labour supply

Who is gardener? Role of Directors of Adult Services Local health and social care economy Relationships with Skills for Care Better partnerships with people using

services?