Patricia Adams

“I have worked in social care for forty years and in the learning disability sector and still work as a support worker but have seen many changes. There is always a staff shortfall and the trust have problems recruiting and retaining staff. We have Agency staff but this effects the consistency of care and some agency staff don’t show the same commitment as contracted staff. Also the role of support worker has changed and there is more lone working and responsibilities and the pay does not reflect the many tasks we do. Also, there is less presence of senior members of staff as they are doing admin or home working, so overall social care staff deserve a fair pay as many of us work additional hours to top up our wages etc and get the recognition we deserve.”