Social care workers the most ‘spread-thin’ of any sector

Social care workers are the most spread-thin in the UK, but their careers are benefiting as a result, according to detailed research released this morning by Randstad Care, the UK sector specialist recruiter.

In a study of 2,000 British employees working in businesses of all sizes, Randstad Care found that 54% of social care employees have heavy workloads and cannot work any harder – the highest proportion of any sector in the UK, and considerably higher than the UK average of 43%.

• 54% of social care staff say they are working hard and cannot work any harder – the highest proportion of any UK sector
• But hard workers are getting their rewards from the ‘Progression Recession’
• One-third of social care employees say their career has benefited from a heavy workload
• Comes as Prime Minister praises role of social care workers, saying government will help the ‘brightest graduates’ get into social care work

36% of social care workers are working harder than they were twelve months ago, although this proportion is slightly below the UK average of 40%.

The Progression Recession

Heavier workloads have brought rewards for ambitious social care workers, allowing the most capable staff to progress quicker, develop their skill set rapidly, and gain financial rewards.

One-third (33%) of social care professionals say a heavier workload has benefited their career in some way. 21% say a heavy workload has helped them secure a promotion, 7% believe it has helped them get a pay rise, and 13% think it has improved their skill set.

Victoria Short, managing director of Randstad Care, explains: “There is little doubt social care employees are working harder than ever. Spread-thin Britain is being stretched even thinner. Existing staff have taken on increasingly large workloads since the recession. But ambitious staff have benefited from heavier workloads. The downturn has been a progression recession, which has helped advance the careers of hard-working social care staff. It has left the sector in good shape. The workforce has been battle-hardened by the recession and the cuts, which has left the UK with a core of highly-skilled social workers.”

Employees in the legal profession are the second most stretched (49.4%) behind social workers, closely followed by IT and technology professionals (49.3%).

IT and Technology employees have seen the biggest increase in their workloads over the past twelve months. 54% saying their workload has increased since this time last year.