A NEW report launched this week, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, states that difficulties in retaining social workers are causing a lack of continuity and consistency in care services, affecting some of London's most vulnerable people.

The report has been produced by Topss England, the strategic workforce development body for social care which works in partnership with social care councils across the UK.

The report's findings coincide with the launch on Monday of this year's Care in the Capital week which is run by the Community Care magazine to raise awareness about social work while promoting innovative solutions to the social work recruitment and retention crisis.

Andrea Rowe, who wrote the report, told the Times the social sector is likely to lose a high proportion of its staff over the next ten years as nearly three in ten public sector workers are now in their 50s. And this set against the fact that the sector will need to expand to meet a growing demand from those needing care and support, spells trouble in the future.

However, Should I Stay or Should I Go? identifies possible solutions to the retention problem including a reduction in bureaucracy and the provision of support to retrain or refocus existing staff. Ideas to provide more focus on qualifications, training and development to help staff progress professionally are also outlined.

Ms Rowe said: "London is facing a growing problem in staff retention within the social care sector.

"An improvement in leadership, management and workforce planning will help develop sound human resources practices and place staff at the centre of the issue."

Polly Neate, editor of Community Care magazine, added: "Many local authorities in the capital are facing difficulties in retaining social workers, and it is imperative that innovative solutions and best practice are shared."

A spokesman for Hillingdon social services told the Times that Hillingdon Council had seen some positive results in the recent recruitment and retention of social workers and care staff.

He said: "At Hillingdon we pride ourselves on being a good employer and many of our staff chose to stay with us in the long-term. In particular our children and families service has enjoyed success in employing and retaining dedicated social workers – therefore new employees join a well-established workforce with high levels of permanent staff."

He added: "We are pleased to have attracted many new social workers in recent months and there are social care career opportunities available with the council most of the time.

"As an employer we offer a range of attractive benefits and excellent training and personal development opportunities."

The type of training or qualification needed for social care work varies.

Social workers and occupational therapists must hold a professional qualification which includes a three-year training course.

For social workers this is the Diploma in Social Work.

And Brunel University in Uxbridge, for example, runs this course and information about its training is available on its website.

Anyone interested in social work can also take a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in aspects of social care that will offer them opportunities to work in directly provided services such as supported housing, residential care homes or day support services.

Details of current job vacancies appear on Hillingdon Council’s website at: www.hillingdon.gov.uk/jobs where applicants can complete application forms online.

Also visit Brunel University's website at www.brunel.ac.uk to find out more about courses