Providers are being pushed to the brink

THE care of thousands of older and vulnerable people could be at risk after a dire warning that a third of care providers have considered leaving the market.

A new report reveals that rising costs and workforce pressures are pushing many care providers to the edge.

The Independent Care Group says the report provides more evidence of the need for urgent Government action on the care crisis.

Chair Mike Padgham said: “Coming as it does, hot on the heels of a total lack of action on care in the Budget, this report makes terrifying reading and rings alarm bells for the future care of thousands of vulnerable people.

“It serves as a snapshot of where providers are at the moment, particularly smaller providers, which make up a vital chunk of the sector as a whole.

“It paints a picture of the social care sector potentially suffering death by a thousand cuts as more and more providers either fully close, close parts of their operations or consider closing in the future.”

The Sector Pulse Check report was commissioned by national charity Hft and Care England. Some 92 per cent of respondents said workforce pay was a concern, with 81 saying local authority