The organisers of UK Care Week have revealed the results of a new survey – the National Care Awareness Report.
The National Care Awareness Survey was conducted in November 2021 in collaboration with the Care Worker’s Charity, National Care Forum, and the National Care Association. Its aim was to capture a snapshot of the social care sector across the UK to understand the challenges facing care professionals.
Findings from the Survey demonstrate that overall, the social care industry remains under intense pressure. It found that:
• 72% of carers think their salaries are unfair
• 70% don't feel confident in their ability to sustain their business over the next year
• 78% don’t feel supported by the social care system
• 75% feel groups and communities are important in giving care workers a voice
When asked: 'What more could be done to support you?' care professionals answered most commonly with:
• Appreciation
• Recognition
• Better pay
• Skills and training
Many social care professionals felt undervalued and unsupported. The survey showed that they want more input on operational decisions.
Care workers also want better remuneration, more time off, and more training. Comparisons were often drawn with the superior pay and benefit packages offered to NHS workers.
According to the survey, the sector’s three biggest challenges are:
• Recruitment and staffing
• Lack of funding
• Attracting and retaining the right staff
Speaking about the report, Steve Clarke, managing director of UK Care Week, said: “Many care workers feel there was a change during the onset of the pandemic, when social care was more respected, but now they feel the respect and understanding has lessened.
“Whilst its apparent more funding is needed, there's also a lot of work to be done to increase the perception of the social care industry. Care workers are crying out to be listened to, and government, unions, and local councils need to listen to avoid burnout and mass shortages from staff leaving the sector.
“The results of this survey have inspired us to commit to the annual undertaking of this survey to give care professionals a voice on how they feel the sector is performing.”
To read the full National Care Awareness Report please visit: https://hubs.la/Q01bdvrN0
