Politics Weekly UK A day on the frontline of England’s social care crisis – Politics Weekly UK
Mar 20, 2025
England's social care system is on the brink, burdened by an ageing population and severe funding cuts. Care workers in Greater Manchester confront daunting daily challenges, often overlooked despite their pivotal role. The emotional toll of caregiving is highlighted, revealing resilience and humor amid crises. Staffing shortages threaten service quality, calling for urgent government intervention. The podcast sheds light on the urgent need for reform and support to sustain this critical sector.
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A Day In A Domiciliary Care Worker’s Life
- Julia wakes clients, helps them dress, and completes cleaning and social checks in tightly timed visits.
- She says those visits enable very elderly people to remain living at home rather than move into residential care.
Care Enabled A Return Home And Work
- Louise describes how domiciliary carers enabled her to return home after a stroke and let her husband go back to work.
- She credits carers with supporting her rehab so she can gradually resume teaching duties at Salford University.
Recruitment Crisis Driven By Pay And Immigration
- The sector faces 130,000 vacancies and relies heavily on low-paid workers, including many from overseas.
- Changes to immigration policy and low pay together deepen the recruitment crisis.