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The chief inspector of social services in Wales has warned that there are increasing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in the Principality, writes Alex Dobson.
In his third annual report, Graham Williams says that the morale of workers must be maintained, and warns that the workforce position can only be improved through strong partnerships involving employers, staff, trainers, local government and the National Assembly.
"Seventy thousand people work in social care in Wales. They provide care to over 100,000 people in need. Their number, quality, commitment, skills and morale must be maintained in often difficult circumstances," Williams says in the report.

In recent years service demands and recruitment and retention difficulties have all increased. The report also says that good service and professional leadership is more vital than ever before, and stresses that directors play a pivotal role.
The report shows that the overall level of qualifications in the workforce, including all staff, has risen from 19.1 per cent to 23.6 per cent.