Government should invest in ‘overlooked’ social care to boost economic growth, report says

By Alan Jones, Reporter18th September 2023News EnglandAdult Care, Business / Funding / Finance, Childrens Services, Government / Politics, News England, Recruitment / Retention, Social Care, Workforce

The Government is being urged to invest in social care to power economic growth and create jobs.

A report by the Future Social Care Coalition (FSCC) says the “fragmented and underfunded” care sector, which has 152,000 job vacancies, is stifling the economy and having a negative effect on the labour market.

The report warns that the Government’s levelling up agenda and other measures to transform the UK cannot be achieved without substantial new investment in social care.

It calls for urgent intervention from ministers to attract and retain workers to an “overlooked” sector.

Unison general secretary and joint FSCC chairperson Christina McAnea (pictured) said: “A properly funded social care system should be the backbone of a thriving economy.

“But the Government has allowed the sector to become underfunded and fragmented. It’s no wonder care staff are leaving for jobs where the pay and conditions are much better.

“More money for social care must be an urgent priority for the next government. This would take the pressure off an overstretched NHS, allow people caring for relatives to find jobs, help reduce social inequality and increase tax revenue for the exchequer.”