Issue 95 16.02.22
The weekly online newsletter for the care sector
Bureaucracy slows down recruitment CARE providers have welcomed the opportunity to recruit staff from overseas again but warned that bureaucracy is slowing down the process. Care workers are now included on the Shortage Occupation List, opening the door for providers to recruit from outside the UK again. But as they welcomed the option, the care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group warned that there were delays in the system. Chair Mike Padgham said: “Social care is facing its biggest staffing crisis in living memory and anything that alleviates that is welcome indeed. “But providers are now experiencing lengthy delays in getting the licences needed to recruit staff, which is the last thing we need. “We need these staff to provide care today and tomorrow, not sometime in the future when the bureaucracy is sorted out. The Government needs to streamline this process, or we will be no better off. “This obstacle should never have been put in our way in the first place. But then once a decision had been taken to remove it, we should not have had to wait this long – it was announced on Christmas Eve
after all. “Now we are finding that there are further delays. It is simply not acceptable for a sector that is on its knees already. The people who need care and those providing it deserve better than this.” Pre-Covid-19 there were at least 120,000 vacancies in the sector and it is estimated that the ‘no jab, no job’ Covid-19 vaccination policy – introduced in November for care and nursing homes – added at least 20,000 to that figure. The Government itself says that figure could be nearer 40,000. The Care Quality Commission estimated that one in 10 care home staff positions in England were unfilled at the end of 2021, as the vacancy rate hit 11.5 per cent. The sector lost staff due to the rules on employing overseas staff post-Brexit. But after much campaigning from bodies like the ICG, the Government announced on Christmas Eve that social care staff would be included on the Shortage Occupation List, opening the door for providers to recruit from outside the UK again. To bring staff in from overseas, care providers need to apply for a sponsor licence but they are experiencing lengthy delays to these applications being processed.
Care home showcases its talents
Residents at Chelmunds Court in Birmingham have been spreading the love with Valentine’s themed activities and events. The team baked some delicious sweet treats which included lots of pink cupcakes to fit with the theme. And the residents were able to enjoy the cakes they made with a cup of tea at their Valentine’s tea party. The home’s dining area was adorned with pink themed decorations and the residents enjoyed delicious refreshments, an exciting singalong and dance, entertaining party games and a lovely chat with their friends. Home manager Geraldine Alfonso said: “The team and residents really enjoyed the Valentine’s tea party. It was lovely to see the smiles and laughter and everyone having great fun. We always try to organise a variety of different activities and events that everyone is able to get involved in.” n For more Valentine’s fun turn to page 9.
RESIDENTS at a Dorset care home have showcased their acting and singing talents in a mini production of the musical Oliver! Since the beginning of the year, Colten Care’s Whitecliffe House in Blandford Forum has rung to the sounds of toe-tapping tunes such as Consider Yourself, Reviewing the Situation and Pick a Pocket or Two. Companionship team member Caroline Pugh said: “We have so many musical residents and everyone involved in the production was happy to put their heart and soul into rehearsing songs and short excerpts ready for a performance to other residents and staff.” Lead character Oliver, played by resident Sylvia Drew, was very convincing in her delivery of the famous line: “Please, sir, I want some more!”, while Maureen Smith’s quiet humour proved a good choice for Dodger and Lois Ramsden excelled in the role of crafty Fagin. Born in London’s East End, Shirley Thomson was the perfect Nancy. And to complete the line-up, Coralie Jackson was an austere Mr Bumble and home manager Chris Lee was a suitably dastardly Bill Sykes. Caroline added: “Singing is a fantastic activity for health and wellbeing and is something our residents really look forward to each week. It has been an absolute pleasure to see the fun and laughter enjoyed by all.”