More than 1,000 additional care workers urgently needed in Devon
Published: 19 August 2021
More than 1,000 more people are urgently needed to join the care workforce in Devon.
Devon’s 23,000 care workers in the county council area have done an exceptional job to keep vulnerable people safe and well throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with the entire health and care system at full stretch the situation is becoming unsustainable, and more than 1,000 additional workers are now needed to join the care workforce, and for families and communities to do all they can help ease the pressure.
In Exeter around 300 care workers are needed. In North Devon and Torridge, another 300 people are needed, 300 more in care roles across Teignbridge and South Hams, 150 in both East Devon and Mid Devon areas, and around 100 in West Devon.
Thousands of care job vacancies are being advertised in Devon, and with care staff off work – self-isolating because of coronavirus, or because they’re otherwise unwell – care companies are struggling.
It means vulnerable people are at risk of not receiving the care they need when they need it. And that more people are finding themselves as unpaid carers, caring for loved ones and friends or neighbours, in the absence of there being enough paid care staff available.
Cllr James McInnes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for adult health and social care, said: “23,000 is a lot of care workers, but we need more.
“And we need them quickly. We are bringing in care workers from outside Devon, but that’s not a long-term or fair solution, given that their own communities may also be in need of care workers. The situation is becoming unsustainable.
“We are making an appeal today for people to come forward from communities across Devon.
“That many new recruits into social care would make a very real difference to the people who need support right now. We can help with training for those without it. We can match you up with where your skills are needed and the kind of work you want to do.
“So, we are asking, if you have worked in care before but left, can you return? Even if that is just for the next few months to help us over this period of greatest pressure.
“If you’re a personal assistant and have capacity to help, can you come forward?
“If you’ve not worked in care, but want to help, a warm welcome awaits you, regardless of age and experience. We need people who are compassionate, can communicate well and are ready to commit themselves to the rewarding range of roles on offer. If you have those skills we can train and support you and offer you the role that will suit you best.
“If you have time to spare as a volunteer, please get in touch.
“If you’re a family with elderly or vulnerable relatives, or you’re friends with someone who needs support, what can you do?
“Today is our call to action. Today is your opportunity to make somebody else’s life better.”
To register your interest visit https://devon.cc/findyourcalling leaving your name, contact details and a postcode, and the council’s recruitment team will get back to you.
Or visit https://devon.cc/socialcarecareers to find the latest care job vacancies, apprenticeships and training opportunities in the care sector in Devon.