The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new campaign across broadcast and social media to encourage people to start their careers in care, with over 100,000 vacancies needing to be filled.
The Department is investing at least £500m into supporting, training, and developing a career for carers, including £162.5m to support the recruitment of new staff and retention of existing care workers.
This will include a campaign – launched today – which will encourage people across England to pursue a rewarding, satisfying career in adult social care, during a time where many are considering job changes and restructures.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid commented on the campaign that it will attract people: ‘who possess the core values this workforce embody so strongly – kindness, compassion and resilience – to look after our friends and family with dignity and respect.’
Whilst Minister for Care, Gillian Keegan said: ‘The care workers represented in our ‘Made with Care’ recruitment campaign are passionate about working in the sector – and the impact they have on those they care for has really moved me. I strongly encourage people to apply for these great opportunities.’
The TV advert, along with the social media campaign, shows the difference that social care workers can make in people’s lives, as well as benefits such as flexible working, inspiring those who may be considering a career in care to pursue the option. The advert premieres today and will run until 21st November on ITV, Sky and Channel 4.
The launch of this new recruitment campaign follows the announcement of an investment worth £5.4 billion by the Department in reforming social care, used over the next three years. This comes off the back of recent news that many disabled people are struggling to find carers, with campaigners urging the government to help. Disabled People Against Cuts, a disability rights group, wrote to the Migration Advisory Committee to urge them to prevent this “social care ticking time bomb”.