Care workers needed in Cumbria as 400 carers still unvaccinated

Cumbria County Council's urging more people to consider a career in social care.It comes as new rules are introduced meaning care home workers must be fully vaccinated, unless medically exempt.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, says there's so much satisfaction involved.

Latest data indicates that around 400 people working in care homes in Cumbria had not yet been 'double jabbed' as of Thursday 11 November when the new rules came into action - that's around 7% of the workforce in the county.

In combination with other significant issues affecting recruitment into social care roles, both in care homes and care at home, it means an increasing number of job vacancies which social care providers are struggling to fill.

In response, the council is backing a recruitment campaign led by the North West Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (NW ADASS). It highlights the benefits of a job in social care, including job satisfaction, flexibility, training and career progression.

No experience is required to work in social care, but comprehensive training and a full induction course is provided.

As well as supporting the recruitment campaign, last week the county council announced a £7 million market sustainability fund to support social care providers through this winter. Grant funding through the scheme will allow providers to enhance their pay and reward offer to help them recruit and retain staff.