Social workers tell of crisis

Social workers say they are no longer able to do their jobs effectively because years of cuts have created a crisis in the sector, according to a recent survey by public sector union UNISON.


The survey found an overwhelming number (95%) felt they could not perform their jobs properly due to the combined effects of reduced services and the social conditions created by austerity.


Eight out of 10 social workers say they’re forced to work unpaid overtime simply to keep their services going, and fewer than one in five (17%) say their workload is manageable.


UNISON says the survey of more than 1,000 social workers shows the devastating effects of the government’s cost-cutting, as key community services are now barely effective. Ministers must act to put more money into local government before it’s too late, says the union.


Austerity is making it harder for councils to intervene in cases early, which means families can be at a crisis point before social workers become involved. 


And the effects of financial misery caused by changes to the benefits system have made even more people vulnerable, says the report.


UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said that a target-driven culture combined with unmanageable workloads and cuts “is creating problems that could tear apart communities”.


According to the survey, more than half of social workers (56%) are thinking of leaving for less stressful jobs.

https://www.unison.org.uk/news/2019/06/crisis-social-work-revealed-new-unison-survey