21 June 2019

Most social workers are forced to put in unpaid hours because cuts have stopped them from being able to do their jobs effectively during their contracted working time.

This is according to new research by Unison, which revealed 95% of people working in the sector felt they were unable to perform their duties properly, while eight out of ten say work for free to keep services going and 17% say their workloads are unmanageable.

Over half (56%) are considering leaving the profession, one in four regularly work overtime, and 80% warned that communities are not getting the services they need.

General Secretary of the union, Dave Prentis, said: "Social workers are dealing with the most vulnerable in society. When they say there are problems we all need to listen, and the government especially. These are skilled and dedicated staff who care passionately about helping families in difficult circumstances. It adds further to their stress and anxiety if they feel people down.

"A culture driven by targets and financial needs, combined with unmanageable workloads and financial cuts is creating problems that could tear apart communities, and put vulnerable children at risk. There is a crisis in social work after almost a decade of cuts to local government. Ministers must act before the system and the people it cares for are damaged beyond repair."