The figures show there were 7,700 full-time equivalent vacancies in 2023. This is down 200 on the previous year but is the second highest set of figures in seven years.
As of 30 September 2023, there were 33,100 full-time equivalent social workers in children’s services, up 1,500 from 2022 and the highest level since 2017.
But children’s services continue to rely on agency social workers. As of September 2023, there were 7,200 workers from agencies, the highest level in seven years and an increase of 400 on the previous year. The Conservative government had planned to cap council spending on agency staff this year but the move was delayed.
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