The 9.2% drop (as of 30 September 2024) to 6,500 agency workers compared with the peak in 2023, is associated with a 3.7% rise in the number of social workers in post over the same period.
In addition, there were 7,200 vacancies - 6.9% fewer than in 2023 – and a 2.1% lower turnover rate of 13.8%.
The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) has welcomed the “positive trend”, with the caveat that vacancy rates remain concerningly high in some areas.
The ADCS expects the decline in agency worker use will continue with further rollout of agency rules later this year, the government having introduced new statutory guidance at the end of October 2024.
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