Recruitment strategies are not working, according to experts reacting to figures that reveal nearly half of all social worker vacancies in Scotland are for jobs working with children.
Statistics published by the Scottish Executive showed vacancy rates in children's services had remained at 12 per cent with 178 vacancies from last October to this January.
Ruth Stark, professional officer for the British Association of Social Workers in Scotland, said the figures proved recruitment drives were not effective.
"Staff in child protection need more money, while more support including sabbaticals is needed across the board," she said.
