'Inadequate' council introduces £15k incentives to recruit children's social workers

Surrey County Council, which was criticised for the way it dealt with child sexual exploitation following an inspection last year, said it wants to attract experienced social workers.

New recruits will receive £7,000 spread over the first four years of working for the council - made up of a £2,000 starter payment, followed by £2,500 on each of their third and fourth anniversaries of starting work at the local authority.

Social workers moving to the county for a permanent role are also entitled to up to £8,000 towards the costs of relocation, meaning they could qualify for as much as £15,000 in total.

Clare Curran, Surrey County Council's lead member for children and families, said: "We're investing in our pay and reward package for experienced children's social workers despite the financial pressures we are under because young people who need our help deserve the best possible support.

"Surrey is a great place to live, work and put down roots and not only would new social workers benefit from competitive pay, they may also be eligible for a package of up to £15,000 over four years while also being nurtured and supported to develop their careers to the fullest potential for the benefit of children and young people across the county."

Surrey's Ofsted inspection report from last year revealed that there was a 20 per cent vacancy rate for social workers, although inspectors did say that vacant posts were being appropriately filled by agency workers so that staffing levels were maintained.