Northern Ireland

There were 49,303 posts in the health and personal social services boards in Northern Ireland in March 2005, which is an increase of nearly a quarter. This number also includes health staff unlike in other parts of the UK.

Thirty eight per cent of staff worked part-time. Staff under the age of 50 accounted for 80 per cent of women and 76 per cent of male staff.  

The number of staff in social services has increased from 3,280 (WTE) in 1996 to 4,599 in 2005.

The social work staff (WTE) consisted of:

• 1,691 social workers
• 178 senior practitioners
• 486.3 senior social workers and team leaders  

A majority of all staff (53 per cent) were employed in the Eastern board.

• From www.dhsspsni.gov.uk