2022-08-18 10:21:56
Training and development are vital for care sector workers to alleviate the recruitment and retention crisis
National learning disability charity Hft has called the extension of the Government’s Workforce Development Fund “good news” but warns that, with an average vacancy rate of 16% among the learning disability workforce, the staffing and funding crisis urgently needs addressing.
As part of the Government’s £500million workforce support package announced last week, “hundreds of thousands” of training opportunities will be available for social care staff to develop their careers over the next three years.
“People working in social care should have the opportunity to progress in their career through training and professional development. This will also improve the support people with a learning disability receive,” Kirsty Matthews, CEO of Hft, says.
Career progression for people who work in social care is of great importance, Matthews adds. If potential recruits are able to see career structures and clear pathways for development throughout their career, it would go a long way to supporting them to apply for roles and remain in the sector, ultimately playing a part in solving the current workforce crisis.
The Government is working with the social care sector on plans for staff training and support, including providing new financial support to help adult social care employers with the costs of continued professional development, a new care certificate qualification, ending the need for care workers to repeat this training when they move roles and developing a digital hub and skills passport for the workforce.
“Hft would welcome the opportunity to work with the Government on developing some of these learning and development opportunities to ensure the best outcomes for staff and learning disabled people,” she says.
“This collaboration would help our staff reap the benefits of a longer-term solution to tackle the issues of recruitment and retention.
“However, in the shorter term, we are calling for the Government to redirect additional funds from the Health and Social Care Levy into social care so providers can pay a salary commensurate with the responsibility of the job. With energy and food prices continuing to increase, wages must also reflect the real-term cost of living in order to attract more individuals to work in the sector.
“This would help mitigate the problem of low staff wages, as highlighted in our Sector Pulse Check research which showed that 94% of providers said low pay was the biggest barrier to recruitment.
“Only when the learning disability sector is placed on a sustainable financial footing and workforce challenges are addressed will it really thrive, rather than just survive,” Matthews concludes.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
–
For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
