Addressing Care Crisis: Care England's Roundtable Underscores Need for Better Care Worker Support

AGAINST a backdrop of a critical staffing crisis in the social care sector, Care England hosted a roundtable discussion titled:- "The Value of Care Workers: Personal Perspectives and Experiences," on 12 June 2023, at Priory Hospital, Barnt Green.

Drawing on stark Freedom of Information data revealing the UK Government's unsuccessful recruitment efforts despite almost �24 million spent over the past 5 years, the event aimed to highlight the crucial and undervalued role of care workers in our society.

The roundtable offered a unique platform for care workers across the West Midlands to voice their experiences, insights, and personal challenges amidst the current circumstances that has left approximately 165,000 vacancies in the care sector and put an enormous strain on the NHS. In the West Midlands specifically, the total number of posts increased by:- 0.2% in 2021/22, but the starter rate (the number of people starting social care roles) for the Region fell from:- 36.6% in 2018/19 to 28.5% in 2021/22, reflecting recruitment and retention difficulties rather than a decrease in demand for social care staff.

Professor Martin Green, Care England's CEO, chaired the event. He said:- "The public generally does not understand the transformative impact care workers have on people's lives. What I have taken away from today's conversation is how committed every single one of you is to the people you support, and how tenaciously you fight to enable them to live well."

One of the panellists, Abigail Crompton, Registered Manager at Coppice Lodge (National Care Group) located in Kidderminster, Worcestershire shared personal experiences in care work, saying;- "Even on the most challenging days of social care, you can still always find a positive and when you do, it is so rewarding. It is hugely satisfying to have those moments and to be able to walk away and reflect on how many people you have supported and empowered to unlock their full potential to live a full and happy life."

Another key participant, Paige Boddice, a student on her placement at Kineton Manor Nursing Home based in Warwick, offered insights into the emotional rewards and personal satisfaction derived from care work. She noted:- "My favourite thing about social care is knowing that you have made even a little bit of a difference in the quality of life of individuals. 1 of my favourite things about my job is doing activities with the residents."

Dr Paula Du Rand and Tintu Tom of Kineton Manor Nursing Home went on to recount a story of a resident who came into their service and care staff enabled him to rediscover his old talent of writing, ultimately leading to him writing an autobiographical book which was published and accompanied by a book launch.

Nigel Taylor, Group Head of Learning and Development at CareTech Community Services Ltd, highlighted the need for a shift in the narrative at a national and Government level of what it means to work in care and a recognition that:- "amazing is normal in adult social care."

The roundtable underlined the need for a proactive initiative that deepens societal understanding of the essential work performed by care workers, illuminates their critical role in society, and advocates for their just compensation and recognition.

Speaking after the event George Appleton, Head of Policy at Care England, said:- "The roundtable highlighted the diversity of rewarding roles, and opportunities to build a career that makes a difference. The positivity from everyone today reflected that the adult social care sector provides an exciting, challenging and professional career that allows for lives to be transformed."

Care England remains committed to working collaboratively with the Government and all stakeholders to confront the crisis, ensure the future stability of the care sector, and most importantly, to advocate for the fair treatment and recognition of these dedicated professionals.

1 in 3 in the North West are Multi income individuals (Miis)

NEW figures show that 37% of adults in North West England are Multi income individuals ('Miis'), according to a major new report. People in the North West make up 11% of the 20 million Miis across the UK who can earn almost �10k a year through a side hustle or second job to supplement their main salary.

On average, Miis earn an extra �780 per month through their secondary income stream. However, the report from UW and Cebr identified the need to break down the stigma associated with multiple income streams.  

20% of Miis in the North West said they don't talk about their additional income with family or friends, with 23% believing people will assume they are struggling with money.

Despite this, Miis are helping to power the UK economy and spent �55 billion, in 2022, of their extra income on UK businesses; supporting more than 364,000 jobs to deliver a �30 billion boost to the nation's coffers.

Reasons for people in the North West earning an additional source of income vary, but the cost of living crisis and rising household bills are the main factors, 37% and 36% respectively, while 21% of people cited the Covid19 Pandemic, 16% fear of a recession and 9% Brexit. 

UW wants to increase people's understanding of why people become a Mii and help break down the barriers that prevent more people from earning an extra income. It has 60,000 Partners in all corners of the country and its word of mouth opportunity has enabled tens of thousands of people over the last 25 years to earn an extra income around their main job or other commitments.

Andrew Lindsay, Co-CEO of Utility Warehouse, said:- "Millions of people across the UK are turning to side hustles or second jobs to make ends meet in the current cost of living crisis. We think these people; Miis; deserve greater recognition. They contribute billions of pounds to the economy through their extra work, but despite this, there's a stigma attached to having more than 1 income and people don't want to talk about it; even with family or friends. We want to challenge these preconceptions so people with multiple incomes can continue to help power growth and opportunity across the UK."

Claire Bracey, a UW Partner based in Burnley, said:- "My 2nd income with UW has given me choices; we are able to say yes to so much more. I've been able to work less hours in my main job so I can take care of 2 children as we have no childcare outside of School. Thanks to my 2nd payday, I'm home from work before the School run everyday and my Friday, Saturday and Sunday are now our own; having that time is priceless."

Owen Good, Head of Economic Advisory, Cebr, said:- "To our knowledge, this is the 1st and most detailed report of its kind, and provides significant insight into people who earn an extra income. Our research demonstrates the breadth and scale of these individuals across the UK, along with the associated economic contribution of this group. Over 20 million people across the UK have a secondary income and this figure is set to grow even further in the coming years. This provides a very significant boost for UK businesses, supporting jobs and increasing economic activity as Miis spend their additional income."

The report is based on a detailed survey of 10,000 people who earn a 2nd income from a wide range of sources from Airbnb hosts and bartenders to Ebay sellers and film extras, as well as UW Partners.

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Addressing Care Crisis: Care England's Roundtable Underscores Need for Better Care Worker Support

1 in 3 in the North West are Multi income individuals (Miis)