It is no coincidence that recent applications from social workers to the Social Workers’ Benevolent Trust (SWBT) have significantly increased over the last 7 weeks due to the financial impact of the coronavirus on individual social workers and their families.
The guidance outlines how Local Authorities in Wales should put into practice the ‘modifications’ to Adult Social Care duties under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 (the 2014 Act) created by the Coronavirus Act 2020 (the 2020 Act).
We have now received responses to letters sent to both Clara Swinson (Director General for Public and Global Health and DHSC) and Yvonne Doyle (Medical Director for Public Health England).
BASW England highlight the ongoing concerns being raised by social workers including shortage of PPE and ask for clearer understanding of people's vulnerability to Covid-19 including why BAME health and care workers are disproportionately affected
‘Imposing another age of austerity after the coronavirus crisis will have a profound impact on societies most vulnerable people’ suggests John McGowan, General Secretary, Social Workers Union (SWU). ‘The possible extent and impact on local authorities' social care budgets will also be massive but cutting spending, after a decade of cuts, would be hugely damaging’.