Mencap responds to the latest NHS Confederation Survey about the care workforce crisis

“THE SOCIAL CARE SYSTEM IS IN CRISIS, WITH POOR ACCESS TO CARE AND SUPPORT, AND A DEPLETED CARE WORKFORCE”

A survey released today (Thursday 28th July 2022) by the NHS Confederation has revealed that 99 per cent of healthcare leaders believe there is a social care workforce crisis in their local area, with NHS leaders across England warning that staffing gaps are putting the care and safety of patients in the NHS at risk.

Responding to the results, Jackie O’Sullivan Executive Director of Communications, Advocacy and Activism at the learning disability charity Mencap, said:

“These findings are deeply concerning. ​It is clear that while there are significant pressures on the NHS, the social care system is in crisis with poor access to care and support, and a depleted care workforce.

“We know that many people are being forced out of the profession because they can no longer afford to do the job they love. This is having a devastating impact on people with a learning disability who depend on social care support to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

“Many providers are doing their best to pay care workers a fair rate but we need urgent investment from central government to ensure that pay across the sector rises. This is the only sustainable solution to recognising the skill and levels of dedication being provided by care staff across the UK. Otherwise, we risk more and more people having their needs unmet and placing increased pressures on the NHS as a consequence.

“There is a crisis in social care – and we support the Confederation in their calls for increased funding and better pay for care workers to ease pressure on the system.”