‘Alarming staff shortages’ and deteriorating conditions putting people at risk

New research has revealed that staff shortages and deteriorating working conditions for social workers are putting children and adults at risk.

The research was revealed at the launch of a new campaign to improve professional working conditions ahead of the BASW UK conference in Manchester last week.

Research by the Social Workers Union (SWU) with ITV News published this year showed that the vast majority (86%) of social workers believe the profession has inadequate staffing levels, with 84% saying these shortages are seriously limiting their ability to do their jobs properly.

The survey – the largest of its kind with 2,380 social workers taking part – alarmingly found that four in five (80%) of social workers report that understaffing is putting the people they work with at risk, while 90% say that lack of funding and investment is impacting their ability to do their job effectively.

“The statistics speak for themselves,” SWU General Secretary John McGowan said. “We are facing a crisis that threatens not just the wellbeing of social workers, but the safety and support of the children, families, and adults who rely on social work services. Urgent action is needed to address staffing levels, workload management, and professional support.”

The cost to staff is severe, with 76% of social workers reporting their mental health is in crisis and just over a quarter (27%) find themselves emotionally exhausted at least once a week.

The research reveals that around half of those surveyed are considering leaving social work entirely, representing a potential exodus of experienced professionals at a time when their services are most needed.

As a result of the findings, BASW and SWU have launched a joint campaign “Strong Social Work, Stronger Lives” to campaign for safe staffing levels and sustainable workloads, as well as investment in social work services.

This latest research builds on a concerning pattern identified in previous studies demonstrating there has been little improvement in working conditions over a 7 year period. Joint research by BASW and SWU with Bath Spa University in 2018 found that 60% of social workers were looking to leave their current job within 15 months, with nearly 40% planning to leave the profession entirely.

Comparative analysis shows that working conditions for social workers are worse than 90-95% of other employees in both public and private sector occupations. Social workers are working an average of 64 days per year more than contracted – equivalent to 11 additional hours per week – with high caseloads and administrative burdens creating unsustainable pressure.

BASW’s 2023 annual survey found that 46.91% of respondents identified inadequate staffing levels as one of their workplace’s biggest challenges, while 50.21% reported being unable to manage their current workload.

During the conference BASW and SWU also launched a new wellbeing toolkit to support systemic change involving stakeholders from frontline social workers to senior leaders.

BASW Chief Executive Ruth Allen said the profession and people they serve are “being failed by a system that does not provide adequate resources, staffing, or support.”

“This campaign represents our commitment to ensuring social workers have the conditions they need to protect and support those who depend on their expertise.”