The pressure on workforce within adult social care is an issue that needs no introduction. It is a worsening trend – there were an estimated 165,000 vacancies last year, up 52% compared to 2021.

Many County Councils Network (CCN) member councils are adopting detailed local campaigns to encourage people to join the social care workforce, others have put together bonus packages to try and retain staff. But no matter how creative our councils are in recruitment; they will constantly be swimming against a tide of nationally set pay and conditions.