Recruitment problems hit children’s services in Scotland

Staff shortages across Scotland are seriously affecting services
for children and young people, according to the chief social work
inspector, writes Nicola Barry.

The second annual report from Angus Skinner shows that In some
areas vacancy rates are as high as 9 per cent.   

Announcing publication of the report, minister for education and
young people Cathy Jamieson said the new recruitment campaign was
the first step towards tackling staff shortages.

The Scottish executive’s 12-point action plan for the
social services workforce was published in April this year. It
included a commitment to an awareness and career recruitment
campaign, plans for a new honours degree level qualification for
social workers, and additional funding for local authority social
services staff training.