Care England, the largest representative body for independent providers of adult social care, has responded to a call for evidence on good practice on in-work progression from the Department for Work and Pensions. The submission includes a call for a long-term people plan for the adult social care sector.

Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says:

“The long-term funding gap is the primary threat to the care sector. Maintaining the financial sustainability of social care providers is of fundamental importance in maintaining the capacity of the health and care system at large. Adequate funding to allow care providers to increase the wages of the workforce will help recognise their extraordinary efforts over the past year and entice new recruits into the sector. This will ultimately benefit the whole country in its recovery from the pandemic”.

“For too long, Governments of all stripes have implemented policies which have in fact thwarted the ability of care providers to develop their workforces. For example, failing to fund providers to implement increases in the National Living Wage in a sustainable manner. We sincerely hope that such disjointed policymaking will be a thing of the past once we emerge from the pandemic.”

In its submission Care England presents several key areas of reform within the care sector that would in turn help contribute to the recovery of the UK economy by providing meaningful employment https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/call-for-evidence-and-good-practice-on-in-work-progression

The work and sacrifices made by colleagues throughout adult social care during the pandemic has demonstrated the professionalism within the workforce that for years has not been acknowledged. It should now be the utmost priority of the Government to take this opportunity and properly fund the sector. An increase in funding is essential in diminishing vacancy rates and increasing the appeal of social care to the domestic workforce. More integration with the NHS will further help career progression and bring the care sector to equal footing with the NHS.

Martin Green continues:

“Sustainable funding will help providers to think strategically, provide competitive rates which encourages long-term employment and provide substantial training and development. The creation of a ten year plan for the social care workforce, akin to that in the NHS, will help demonstrate the opportunities strategy within the future of social care”.