By Vivienne Russell
17 November 2009
Recruitment and retention in local government has improved dramatically, the latest local government workforce survey has revealed.
The annual survey, produced by the Local Government Association Group and published on November 17, revealed that only 52% of councils reported recruitment and retention problems, down from 83% in 2008 and 93% in 2004. Problems in attracting environmental health and planning staff as well as school crossing patrol officers have all dropped off.
However, the survey highlighted again the difficulties councils face in recruiting social workers, particularly those trained to work with children. Of the 52% of councils reporting problems this year, 72% found it hard to recruit children’s social workers, up from 68% in 2008. Just under half had problems in attracting adult care social workers, up from 36% in 2008.
The LGA last week drew attention to the social worker recruitment crisis. It blamed the scandal that followed the death of Baby Peter for deterring people from pursuing a career in social work.
Commenting on the workforce survey, Sir Steve Bullock, chair of the LGA’s human resources panel, said: ‘There has been huge progress in addressing local government’s shared workforce issues. Many of the important occupational skills shortages that have bedevilled local government are reducing, and we are taking action to support authorities in dealing with their difficulties in recruiting social workers.’
The survey also found that more councils were directly helping tackle local unemployment. Fifty four per cent had signed up to their Local Employment Partnership and were placing vacancies with Jobcentre Plus, while 95% were offering regular work experience placements to local school and colleges.
It also revealed that almost a third of councils (32%) were using a remuneration committee to oversee reward packages for chief executives and other senior managers. The LGA Group recommends such committees to improve accountability.
Bullock said: ‘These are tough times for councils as employers. Councils are concentrating on how to ensure they get maximum value for the nearly £60bn they spend each year on pay and other employment costs.
‘Reform of pay and reward systems is continuing but in a way that is targeted on controlling costs, while finding ways to motivate and retain the people we need to deliver the best services for local people.’
17 November 2009
Recruitment and retention in local government has improved dramatically, the latest local government workforce survey has revealed.
The annual survey, produced by the Local Government Association Group and published on November 17, revealed that only 52% of councils reported recruitment and retention problems, down from 83% in 2008 and 93% in 2004. Problems in attracting environmental health and planning staff as well as school crossing patrol officers have all dropped off.
However, the survey highlighted again the difficulties councils face in recruiting social workers, particularly those trained to work with children. Of the 52% of councils reporting problems this year, 72% found it hard to recruit children’s social workers, up from 68% in 2008. Just under half had problems in attracting adult care social workers, up from 36% in 2008.
The LGA last week drew attention to the social worker recruitment crisis. It blamed the scandal that followed the death of Baby Peter for deterring people from pursuing a career in social work.
Commenting on the workforce survey, Sir Steve Bullock, chair of the LGA’s human resources panel, said: ‘There has been huge progress in addressing local government’s shared workforce issues. Many of the important occupational skills shortages that have bedevilled local government are reducing, and we are taking action to support authorities in dealing with their difficulties in recruiting social workers.’
The survey also found that more councils were directly helping tackle local unemployment. Fifty four per cent had signed up to their Local Employment Partnership and were placing vacancies with Jobcentre Plus, while 95% were offering regular work experience placements to local school and colleges.
It also revealed that almost a third of councils (32%) were using a remuneration committee to oversee reward packages for chief executives and other senior managers. The LGA Group recommends such committees to improve accountability.
Bullock said: ‘These are tough times for councils as employers. Councils are concentrating on how to ensure they get maximum value for the nearly £60bn they spend each year on pay and other employment costs.
‘Reform of pay and reward systems is continuing but in a way that is targeted on controlling costs, while finding ways to motivate and retain the people we need to deliver the best services for local people.’
