Research carried out by Loughborough University for the DCSF found widespread concerns that time spent using ICS was taking social workers away from direct contact with children and families.
Based on focus group interviews during 2007/08, the researchers also found social workers were spending on average 10 extra hours a week at work above their contracted hours, which many struggled to recoup in time off in lieu.
This was the same level of extra hours cited when similar focus groups were carried out in 2001/02.
Poor design of the ICS was a factor in social workers having to work late, the report says. The system was branded as "problematic to navigate" and "complex and repetitive". It was found that in some cases the system logged out after a short period of time, meaning inputted work was lost.
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