.png)
The UK’s adult social care sector is facing a critical workforce crisis. With a turnover rate of 24.8% and a vacancy rate of 8.3% for the financial year 2023/24, compared to a UK-wide vacancy rate of just 2.6%, the challenges of attracting and retaining staff continue to hinder providers from delivering consistent, high-quality care. These figures, cited in the Hft and Care England Sector Pulse Check 2024 report, highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to stabilise staffing levels and support care providers in meeting rising demand.
In light of these pressures, RAP Affinity is positioned as a vital partner in helping UK social care homes attract skilled international recruits, ready to make an immediate impact. By offering tailored recruitment services and access to pre-trained candidates, RAP Affinity can provide a solution to one of the sector’s most pressing problems: chronic staff shortages.
Domestic Recruitment: Insufficient to Meet Demand
According to the Sector Pulse Check report, domestic recruitment efforts have largely fallen short. Over a third of providers reported a decrease in applications from domestic candidates, while another third reported no change. The main barriers identified include low pay, poor perceptions of the sector, and the demanding nature of the work (cited by 86%, 61%, and 58% of respondents, respectively). Additionally, providers face stiff competition from other sectors such as hospitality and retail, which offer similar or better pay with fewer responsibilities.
Given these persistent challenges, it is unsurprising that 40% of providers have turned to international recruitment as a key strategy to fill vacancies and maintain service quality.
The Lifeline of International Recruitment
The report highlights the significant impact that international recruitment has had on reducing vacancies and easing the financial burden caused by reliance on costly agency staff. Prior to recent policy changes, the number of international applications was steadily increasing, helping to keep the sector afloat. However, new restrictions, such as the ban on dependents for overseas health and social care staff introduced in March 2024, have caused a dramatic decline in applications, with figures dropping from 26,000 per quarter to just 8,000.
Despite these setbacks, the report underscores the importance of international recruitment, describing it as a “lifeline” for providers grappling with chronic workforce shortages. This is where RAP Affinity steps in, providing a bridge between UK care homes and a pool of skilled, pre-trained international candidates who are eager to work in the sector.
Reducing Reliance on Agency Staff
One of the key consequences of staff shortages has been increased reliance on agency workers, who are generally more expensive and less prepared to deliver high-quality care compared to permanent staff. Nearly half of the providers surveyed in the report listed agency costs among their top three financial pressures.
By facilitating international recruitment, RAP Affinity helps care homes reduce their dependence on agencies, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution. International recruits not only bring skills and dedication but also the stability needed to improve long-term care outcomes.
A Call for Government Support
The Sector Pulse Check report makes a compelling case for greater government support in addressing the workforce crisis. It calls for policy changes to facilitate international recruitment, including lifting the ban on dependents and providing financial support to cover recruitment costs.
RAP Affinity echoes these recommendations and is committed to working closely with care providers and policymakers to create a more supportive environment for international recruits. By investing in global talent, the sector can build a resilient workforce capable of meeting current and future care demands.
Why Choose RAP Affinity?
RAP Affinity offers a comprehensive recruitment solution tailored to the unique needs of UK social care homes. Our candidates undergo rigorous pre-departure training to ensure they are familiar with UK care standards and ready to integrate seamlessly into their new roles. This approach not only enhances the quality of care provided but also boosts retention rates by ensuring recruits are well-prepared and supported from day one.
Our services include:
Access to a pool of skilled international candidates
End-to-end recruitment support, including visa processing and relocation assistance.
Ongoing post-placement support to ensure recruits and employers have the tools they need for long-term success.
The challenges facing the UK’s adult social care sector are significant, but with the right strategies and partnerships, they are not insurmountable. The Sector Pulse Check report makes it clear that international recruitment is a critical component of any sustainable workforce plan. RAP Affinity stands ready to support care providers in navigating these challenges, offering a reliable source of skilled, committed staff who can help deliver the high-quality care that residents deserve.
If you’re a care provider looking to stabilise your workforce and reduce costs, contact RAP Affinity today to learn how we can help you recruit the best international talent, ready to make a difference in your care home. Email Craig at craig@rapaffinity.com and let’s make 2025 your year for recruitment success.
Comentários