The Care Workers’ Charity Responds to Skills for Care Workforce Report
Newly published figures from Skills for Care reveal that vacancy rates in England’s adult social care sector have returned to pre-pandemic levels – a welcome indication of stabilisation following years of workforce strain.
According to the 2024/25 Size and Structure of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report, the vacancy rate has dropped to 7%, down from a peak of 10.5% in 2021/22. This represents 111,000 unfilled posts – a 12.4% decrease on the previous year. The number of filled posts also rose by 3.4% to 1.6 million, marking the second-highest annual growth on record.
While this data suggests progress, it must not distract from the ongoing structural crisis. Behind each figure is a stretched workforce – care workers absorbing more pressure with fewer resources – and people drawing on care who continue to feel the impact of underinvestment.
The long-term outlook remains deeply challenging. To meet the needs of an ageing population, the sector will require an estimated 470,000 additional posts by 2040 – a projected 27% increase. This level of growth is simply not achievable without urgent and sustained investment in pay, career development, wellbeing, and greater respect for the workforce.
Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, commented: “We’re pleased to see signs of progress – they show that change is possible. But we cannot lose sight of the wider reality. Behind these improved figures are care workers who are still navigating burnout, low pay, limited chances to progress, and a lack of recognition for the critical work they do every day. Now is not the moment to slow down. It’s time to be ambitious for care – and that means being ambitious for the workforce. We need long-term investment in fair pay, career development, mental health support, and better working conditions. If we want a care system that delivers quality, dignity and compassion, we must start by valuing and supporting the people who make that possible.’ The falling vacancy rate should not be mistaken for a resolution. It is a critical opportunity – one that must be seized through decisive action, informed by the voices and realities of care workers”.