The adult social care sector in England faces a workforce crisis of significant proportions. Skills for Care data shows there were an estimated 131,000 vacancies in adult social care in 2023-24, with turnover rates running at nearly 30% annually. Understanding the causes – and what is being done about it – matters for anyone who relies on care services.
Why the Sector Struggles to Recruit
Care work is physically and emotionally demanding, yet it has historically been poorly paid relative to comparable roles in retail, hospitality, and the NHS. The gap between care worker wages and NHS healthcare assistant wages drives significant movement between the sectors. Changes to overseas recruitment rules in 2024 further restricted the pipeline of international care workers, who had been filling a significant proportion of vacancies in recent years.
Investing in Our People
At Your Care Solutions, we believe that investing in our care workers is the foundation of excellent care. We offer competitive rates of pay, paid mileage, comprehensive induction and ongoing training, and genuine opportunities for career progression. Our staff retention rates significantly outperform the national average – because when care workers feel valued and supported, they stay, and continuity of care is better for everyone.
What This Means for Families
When choosing a care provider, it is worth asking about their staff turnover rates and how they invest in their workforce. High turnover means unfamiliar faces for your loved one and inconsistent care. A provider who can demonstrate stable, well-trained teams is one worth trusting with the people who matter most to you.
