Steve Ford, Chief Executive, commenting on the UK Government’s announcement about the health and social care levy, said:
“We welcome that there will be more resources for the NHS but are concerned that the needs of social care have been pushed back.
“Social care should be provided to all who need it and free at the point of use, to help address the inequalities that COVID-19 has shone a light on.
“The UK Government needs to address the real issues in the social care workforce, which are leading to chronic shortages all over the country. Occupational therapists, as well as other allied health professions, still wait to hear about how the government intends to tackle the issues they face on a daily basis.
“We welcome £500m of funding for recruitment, retention, career progression and staff wellbeing for the social care workforce in England, but it is not nearly enough to fund this, mental health support, and reform key aspects of the workforce. And for social care staff it is offset by the extra levy that they and their employers will pay, which will take more resources out of the system.
“It is now the time to improve access, quality, and levels of social care and rehabilitation support, so that those who need it receive the care they need, when they need it. Those working in social care must have parity of esteem with the NHS workforce and be given proper development opportunities. We cannot wait until 2023 to start tackling these issues, we need to start now.”