Covid-19: Impact on Social Work

Pays tribute to social workers in Glasgow, particularly those in Easterhouse and Parkhead. Stresses the importance of listening to social workers regarding further support from the Government as they recover from covid-19. Mr Linden suggests encouraging young people through schools to consider careers in social work, noting that this issue is devolved in Scotland but important across all regions of the UK.

Praised the transformative benefits of social workers in local government over many years. Highlighted examples from H4All charity where library staff were redeployed to support call centres during the pandemic. Emphasised the importance of learning lessons from the pandemic for future development, including fast-track programmes for professional standards and re-tendering initiatives that support high standards. Mr Simmonds agrees with the need to encourage young people into social work through programmes such as fast-track schemes. He emphasizes the importance of learning from experienced professionals and addressing cases involving serious abuse. Welcomes the Minister's sharing and suggests developing the finance function of health and social care to address the issue of high-profit margins in private sector provision. Highlights that profit margins can reach 30% and calls for strategic focus on value for money.

Mr Campbell agrees that the Government needs to acknowledge and address the impending mismatch between supply and demand for social workers, particularly in the care sector. He calls for action now to plan and prepare for future challenges.

Mr. Shannon thanked the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood for raising an important issue about social work during the pandemic, highlighting the challenges faced by social workers in dealing with increased demand and pressures. He mentioned that 105,000 people were employed as social workers and there could be a 35% shortfall by 2025. Shannon also noted that 75% of social workers felt more negative about their work life in 2021 compared to the first year of the pandemic. He raised concerns about the mental health impact on social workers due to increased workload and risk of infection, calling for a sustainable number of social workers to cope with care needs.

Ms Smyth highlighted the increasing complexity of social work cases due to the pandemic and raised concerns about workforce shortages, with a 9.5% vacancy rate and over 6,500 vacancies. She emphasised the emotional and mental exhaustion reported by 75% of surveyed social workers during the pandemic. Ms Smyth also discussed the impact of rising costs on families and called for support to encourage foster care.

Gratefully acknowledged the contribution of social workers during the pandemic and highlighted concerns about the impact of mandatory vaccination requirements in care homes. Discussed government measures to combat domestic abuse, including funding allocations and a national helpline. Criticized UK Government's approach to human rights and their decision to cut the £20 increase to universal credit, which pushed 60,000 people in Scotland into poverty.