The Government has kickstarted a major new recruitment initiative to encourage members of the public to consider a career in adult social care, supporting care home residents and those being cared for at home.
Covid-19 has put immense strain on an already stretched social care system, with the impacts being felt across the country and the urgent need for additional staff even further amplified by near-double staff absence rates in recent months, as a result of staff having to self-isolate.
Under the new recruitment drive, jobseekers, volunteers and people on furlough can now register their interest for short-term opportunities, including personal care - helping people to wash and dress - providing wellbeing support, collecting and delivering supplies or helping out with domestic tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
Exact roles allocated would be based on experience, local need and at the discretion of the local authority and care providers.
At the same time, the Government is also launching the ‘Care for Others. Make a Difference’ campaign, which will use television, digital and radio advertising to drive awareness of long-term career opportunities in adult social care.
The advertising campaign will particularly focus on showing the variety and flexibility of roles available across the sector.
Currently, almost 1.5 million people work as part of the adult social care workforce and there is a highly diverse range of roles and opportunities for those wanting to enter the sector and make a difference.
Candidates do not necessarily need previous experience as training is provided to help them become valued members of the social care workforce.
People can find out more about a longer-term career in social care and search for jobs in their area by visiting the Every Day is Different website and will be directed to the website to register their interest in short-term opportunities.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I want to thank carers for all they do to look after our loved ones. Throughout this pandemic, they have gone above and beyond to protect our parents and grandparents, and to provide them with the support and care they need and we would be truly lost without them.
“This exceptional career choice is tough but rewarding, and I would urge anyone who is thinking of a career in care to come forward and join this heroic workforce.”
Minister for Care Helen Whately added: “Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen thousands of wonderful people step forward to volunteer for the NHS and take part in our truly tremendous national vaccination effort. Today, I’m asking people to step forward to help in social care too.
“We need more people who want to play their part in this pandemic to choose social care. There are thousands of opportunities, from short-term roles to long-term careers.
“Jobs in the care sector are hard work, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. When you get home from work you know you’ve made a real difference for the people you care for. I know we can’t say thank you to care workers too many times for what they do.”
