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Local government managers have opposed the development of national or regional pay scales for Welsh social workers.

The pay scales were recommended in a report last year, Social Work in Wales – A Profession to Value, which highlighted huge variations in social workers’ pay and conditions in Wales. The proposals were given backing by local government unions 

But the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers and the Employers’ Organisation for Local Government oppose national or regional pay bargaining.

The issue has hampered attempts by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) to agree with councils on implementing the report’s other recommendations.

Four councils – Rhondda Cynon Taff, Denbighshire, Powys and Bridgend – have agreed to raise pay to the report’s recommended levels.

Meanwhile Community Care has published a supplement on recruitment and retention and social services in Wales. Go to Wales Focus