The UK is facing a shortage of 350,000 social care workers needed to reach international safe staffing levels for elderly care. The GMB union has raised concerns about staff shortages, attributing them to the increasing demand for unpaid care, leading many to leave their jobs. Unlike other countries like Japan and Finland that enforce a ratio of three service users per employed carer, the UK currently lacks a legal minimum for care work.
To meet the 3:1 ratio standard, the UK would require over 350,000 additional carers. The GMB plans to present a motion at the Labour Party Conference advocating for safe staffing levels in care homes to be legally mandated. Jo Pitchford, GMB Bolton Care Branch Secretary, emphasized the urgent need for proper staffing levels in the care sector to address the existing crisis.
The Mirror’s Fair Care for All campaign is urging for adequate staffing and funding for social care, advocating for the establishment of a National Care Service. The campaign also calls for fair treatment of care workers, including payment of the real Living Wage, longer home visits, and increased support for unpaid carers. Labour’s Casey Review of adult social care aims to address the funding challenges associated with caring for the elderly, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2026.
The delay in fundamental social care reform by the Government has sparked criticism, with the review’s recommendations possibly dependent on the outcome of the next election. The need for comprehensive reform in the social care sector remains a pressing issue as the demand for care services continues to rise.