Implications of labour markets for the social care workforce: report

This independent research report considers the implications of national and local labour markets for the social care workforce. The research methodology comprised five main stages. The researchers conducted a detailed review of literature and data and to supplement this, primary research with added depth and detail. The primary research comprised consultations with key stakeholders, online surveys of social care employers and people working in social care (with the exception of social workers). A total of 1,553 employers and 8,055 employees responded to the surveys. Alongside the main report, the following have been produced: • a report focusing on ELC, reflecting the over-representation of ELC services in the survey responses • a report on the implications for workforce planning; and • a case study report that explores key local labour market characteristics and issues around recruiting into the social care sector in four areas with different characteristics