Coronavirus: BASW urges more support for social workers

In its response to the Coronavirus Bill, introduced in parliament yesterday, the organisation said that increased support should be provided by government, regulators and employers to help social workers continue their work with those young people and families most in need.

The emergency bill, which is due to be have its second reading on Monday, gives the government extra powers to tackle the pandemic.

• Coronavirus: Official advice for schools, nurseries, children’s homes and social workers

• Coronavirus: Advice for youth work groups

A raft of new measures could see the number of available health and social care workers increased by allowing those who have recently retired to return to work.

In addition, the new laws would allow social work students to become temporary social workers.

Dr Ruth Allen, chief executive officer at BASW, said the outline of the bill set out “unprecedented” measures that could last for up to two years.

These would impact on civil and human rights for communities, social workers, public sector workers and other key organisations, she said.

“We need an urgent and joined-up approach to providing practical and emotional support to social workers in their professional and personal lives. 

“Government and employers have been focused on healthcare. They need to show equal commitment to social care and social workers,” she added.

Allen said such a commitment was vital if social workers were to continue supporting families and vulnerable individuals in communities working alongside colleagues in healthcare, social care, education and other sectors.

“It is essential in order to translate urgent powers into ethical practice on the ground throughout this crisis.

“We will be looking for a bill that protects human rights in a time of emergency, ensures social workers are protected and safe in their work, marginalised people are not forgotten and which ensures statutory bodies prioritise needs and risks in line with ethics,” she said.

Social workers need to be able to maintain professional standards including those relating to regulatory registration, human rights of individuals, equality of access to services and the safety and wellbeing of the workforce, she added.

Socials workers are included on a list of key workers following the government’s announcement on Wednesday that schools would remain open to children of those in frontline roles such as NHS staff, police and delivery drivers.

More than 700 social workers have so far responded to an online survey set up by BASW to record information and experiences from practitioners since the coronavirus outbreak began.

Among the top concerns raised were how social workers could continue to carry out statutory duties when faced with mass isolation.

They are also concerned about health and safety protocols for carrying out home visits and work in the community as well as issues with accessing enough hand sanitiser and personal protective equipment.