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Heavy caseloads are the biggest barrier to organisations retaining social workers, according to a survey published this week.

Two-thirds of the social workers questioned by consultancy Tribal Resourcing said overwork was the biggest reason for people leaving particular jobs, while it was also the most popular reason given for why people leave the profession.

More than 80 per cent of those surveyed by the organisation said staff were "frustrated by bureaucracy and paperwork".

The study of more than 500 social care professionals across 13 local authorities is being launched this week at Community Care LIVE Adult Care Services in London.

The report said: "The research paints quite a depressing picture of social workers - particularly the pressure and stress they face as a result of under-staffing and the administrative pressures of the current performance-driven culture."