Social workers recommend ending unpaid overtime

The child protection system is "beyond breaking point" and social workers are facing increasing pressure, according to a report by the British Association of Social Workers.

The report for a group of MPs makes the following recommendations:

• An end to unpaid overtime
• Separation of social worker's electronic records and data collection
• Exploration of improved caseload management strategies
• A restoration of local authority car allowances
• Ending the "hot desking" culture

• Protection of role for social workers
• Exploration of how to record social worker's input and achievements
• Consideration should be given to proper recognition of restrictive working conditions
• Guidance to encourage social work involvement in NHS patient management

• The employer health check should be reviewed and more rigorous
• Government should liaise with the Association of Chief Police Officers on taking action against those behind websites inciting hatred towards social workers

Read: Report 'offers insight into pressures faced by social workers'