Care Services minister Paul Burstow has pledged to examine the detailed proposals in Community Care and Unison's Social Work Contract.

He was responding to Community Care and Unison's joint 10-week campaign to highlight the conditions social workers need in order to practise safely.

Burstow said: "We recognise that people who train and work as social workers, taking on caseloads that are not only challenging but often complex, should be given the best possible support and we are committed to ensuring this."

He added: "I am looking forward to receiving your further letters on the social work contract and will be responding substantively when I have had the opportunity to consider the detail of the contract in its entirety."

Last week, the Local Government Association backed Community Care's campaign to promote better support for social workers.

You can help us continue to campaign for better working conditions for social workers by taking part in our short survey on working conditions. It covers supervision and caseloads, is quick to complete and all answers are anonymous.
Burstow letter.pdf