The Department of Health and Social Care has announced new funding to support adult social care, providing £162.5 million to support workforce retention and recruitment.
The funding will be available until the end of March 2022, in a bid to help boost the number of people working in adult social care.
Sajid Javid, Health and Social Care Secretary, said: “I want to thank care workers for their commitment and tireless efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic – we owe them a debt of gratitude which I am determined to repay through ambitious, sustainable social care reform that prioritises their skills and wellbeing.
“This dedicated funding will help local authorities bolster staff numbers and care workers to continue delivering high-quality care for everyone who needs it.”
In the Government announcement it stated: “In the longer term, the Health and Social Care Levy will see a total of £5.4 billion invested in adult social care – including £500 million for staff training to reduce staff turnover and enable carers to achieve recognised qualifications alongside their day-to-day work.”
Gillian Keegan, Minister for Care, added: “The social care workforce has delivered high-quality care in the most challenging circumstances over the past 18 months – showing true dedication and professionalism – and I can’t thank them enough.
“This funding will help care providers recruit and retain staff, supporting both those already making a difference while bringing in new colleagues to help.
“Everyone deserves to be cared for with dignity and respect. This funding, as well as our wider reforms, will bring us closer to a world-leading social care system.”
The government has also committed to bring forward white papers on adult social care reform and integration this year.
