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Vulnerable people are being left without consistent and reliable support because the shortage of social workers in London has reached crisis point, according to a report, writes Sally Gillen.

The study, 'Is anyone out there?', commissioned by Community Care was launched this week as part of Care in the Capital, a week-long campaign to draw attention to the recruitment crisis in London.

It reveals that London councils have vacancy rates of between 25 and 40 per cent, rising to 80 per cent in some individual teams. Poor image and lack of understanding of social work, overstretched services and poor pay and conditions are among the reasons highlighted for the shortage.

Speaking at the launch the report, author Anthony Douglas, executive director of community services at Havering council, said that changes should be made to the working conditions.

Many workers suffered psychologically from the widespread use of short-term contracts, which he said should be replaced by long-term ones, said Douglas.

The average stay in a job in London is nine months, which destroyed any sense of stability.

He added that agency work was an attractive option for many people because it often offered, not only better pay, but other perks such as free pensions advice that many local authorities did not.

He warned that unless issues of pay were addressed "most of the others factors will not kick in".

Lionel Took, a member of the department of health’s recruitment and retention taskforce, promised to "do more to make sure that you are supported in this very important job".

Social care work was a key part of the government modernisation agenda, he said.

"Social workers do a great job," said Took, adding: "I am delighted to thank you for being a force for good in this country."

Care in the Capital is supported by Celsian.

Click here to download full report and print it.