Raise for council social workers in bid to halt exodus
MORE money will be offered by a council in a bid to stop its haemorrhaging of social services staff.
The Royal Borough will offer raises to certain social staff, including social workers and occupational therapists, from November to try to stem employee turnover and stop more and more cash being spent on agency workers.
Speaking at a children's services overview and scrutiny panel meeting on Tuesday, Ann Domeney, Royal Borough interim head of safeguarding, said: "It has been reasonably well received by staff."
When asked how many vacancies there currently are, Mrs Domeney replied 14-15 out of '44 mainstream social care staff'.
Mrs Domeney was also asked if more money would be offered if the scheme does not work. She said: "That's not the plan."
In June, a Freedom of Information request showed the use of agency workers in the council's children's and adult and community services departments rose by 48% from February to April compared to the previous year - with thousands more being spent.
Trade union UNISON had raised concerns about inconsistency in service being delivered to vulnerable residents as a result of the high turnover of social care staff.