Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Social Care: Staff Numbers and Vacancy Rates

Tuesday 23 November 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government has launched a 162.5 million workforce recruitment and retention fund and a national recruitment campaign called Made with Care.
  • The Department closely monitors workforce capacity data and local intelligence, with 92.5% of care home staff having received their second vaccine dose as of 14 November.
  • Adult social care providers can recruit key adult social carers from overseas at reduced fees, and the government is committed to spending at least 500 million to support and develop the workforce.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Grayling Con
Social Care
Context

The social care sector is experiencing significant challenges with staff recruitment and retention, leading to critical shortages.

Question

What steps he is taking to tackle staff shortages in the social care sector?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We recognise the challenges and have put in place measures such as a £162.5 million workforce recruitment and retention fund and a national recruitment campaign highlighting the rewarding nature of work in adult social care, launched on 3 November.

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Q2 Chris Green Con
Social Care
Context

The social care sector's vacancy rate for carers has worsened compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the situation is expected to deteriorate further due to compulsory vaccination requirements.

Question

When does my hon. Friend believe the vacancy rate will return to pre-pandemic levels?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

The vaccine saves lives, and 92.5% of care home staff have had their second dose as of 14 November. The Department closely monitors workforce capacity data and local intelligence. Longer term, at least £500 million is committed to support and develop the workforce.

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Q3 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
Immigration Social Care
Context

There are currently 105,000 vacancies across all social care workforce grades. While senior care workers have been added to the shortage occupation list, the Migration Advisory Committee is not due to report until next April.

Question

When will the Government admit that they need to add all grades of social care workers to the shortage occupation list?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We have sent out £162.5 million for workforce recruitment and retention, including Sefton receiving £1,032,474. Adult social care providers can recruit key adult social carers from overseas at reduced fees.

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Q4 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Social Care
Context

The adult social care sector is facing severe staff shortages, with one-third of managers limiting or stopping admissions from hospital due to lack of staff.

Question

Will the Minister commit to paying a retention bonus and a fully funded permanent pay increase?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We are committed to bringing forth new measures in the White Paper, spending £500 million on recruiting the workforce, and addressing discharge processes. We have also set out money to help with short-term impacts of demographic growth.

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Q5 Chris Grayling Con
Care & Healthcare Workers Social Care
Context

Surrey faces specific challenges with an ageing demographic, high housing costs, and a general high cost of living.

Question

Could I urge the Minister and the Secretary of State to ensure that they consider all possible avenues to assist?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Surrey will receive £2,704,702. We have started the biggest national recruitment campaign ever done, Made with Care, to thank our care workers and show it as a rewarding career.

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Q6 Tony Lloyd Lab
Employment
Context

The Alternative Futures Group operates in the north-west and refuses to take up the real living wage even when councils offer funding, leading to deteriorating terms and conditions.

Question

Is there a need to look at that group?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

Yes, I would be grateful if the hon. Gentleman could write with details. We have skills shortages in many areas and employers who do not treat their staff well will face acute shortages due to our Plan for Jobs.

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