Calls for social care reforms to include flexible workforce

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced his commitment to fix the social care system – to give people dignity, security and support when they need it the most.

Burnham described the social care system as ‘broken’ and essential not only for those actively needing support, but for the long-term future of the NHS too.

Lifting Up Social Care Workforce

The Prime Minister says that he wants to immediately focus on lifting up the social care workforce, integrating it with the NHS, and creating opportunities for progression, better pay and job security.

Several core principles for a National Care Service have been set out by the PM:

• The system must allow people to move seamlessly between hospitals, home care and community services.
• This service must be fully and sustainably funded.
• The service must start with prevention, supporting people to live independently for longer.
• Citizens’ needs must be at the heart of plans, removing budget battle lines between organisations and making sure local social, primary and community care works together effectively.

Flexible Staffing Part of the Solution

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) is urging the PM to avoid the mistakes made in the NHS – where it was made increasingly difficult for flexible workers, despite the crucial role they play.

Shazia Ejaz, Director of Campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), explained:

“The focus on building a national care system that is fit for purpose is, of course, encouraging. We ask that any workforce strategy for the sector does not replicate the mistakes of NHS staffing procurement where valuable, skilled staff are having options to work flexibly reduced.

“If the government is serious about building a national care service, workforce flexibility is part of the solution and will help ensure the recruitment and retention of good people.

“Flexible staffing has been a feature of the NHS for decades, helping services respond to both routine pressures and periods of crisis. But it is crucial that any new national care service does not take these temporary workers for granted by limiting opportunities to feasibly work through agencies when it is such an important pathway for balancing work and other commitments.

“Delivering a robust national care system requires the public and private sector to work together in new forms of partnership. Staffing agencies should be seen as valuable partners to developing a social care system that is well-resourced and can meet unprecedented demands. Agencies must not be marginalised and misunderstood as has unfortunately happened with NHS staffing in recent years.”

For more information, please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.