A million unpaid carers in England could get a week’s break every year under plans from the Liberal Democrats. The scheme would apply to those caring for more than 50 hours a week and would cost £460m.

The man charged with turning around Haringey’s failing social services faces criticism today over another case of suspected child abuse.

A doctor accused of failing to spot that Baby Peter had a broken back and was being abused did not appear before a disciplinary hearing yesterday.

Poll reveals that social workers feel that new recruits are not properly prepared for the challenges of the job.

The General Social Care Council (GSCC) has appointed three senior managers to oversee registration and conduct complaints, social work education and finance of the organisation.

Graduates in England will receive at least £15,000 to retrain as children’s social workers under a new government-funded scheme.

The council that pioneered Gordon Brown’s policy of free personal care for the elderly is planning to axe support for other vulnerable groups to meet its spiralling costs.