Social workers are leaving the profession in their droves because of a poor work-life balance.
That was the word from social worker and serving Northumberland county councillor Mary Murphy, despite new figures showing the county's turnover rate for social workers is lower than the national average.
From October 2021 to September 2022, the council had a turnover rate of 15.9%, compared to the national figure of 17.1%. However, this was also higher than the regional figure for the North East of 13.7%.
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A report presented to members of the council's family and children's services overview and scrutiny committee said that reasons for leaving the sector included staff leaving for other authorities or organisations, moving to agency roles or choosing another career path entirely. Labour's Coun Murphy, who represents the Choppington ward, gave an insider view into the sector.
She said: "I have seen so many people leaving the profession because life is too short. They say 'we have a limited amount of time on this planet and I have to do something else with my life'.
"Everybody I know who has left social work has left for quality of life reasons. Young social workers will tell you I want to go out with friends and forget about things the way they do but they're always thinking about work."
Coun Murphy suggested that Northumberland should follow the example set by Sunderland City Council. Its' children's services jumped from failing in 2015 to outstanding by 2021 following the introduction of Together For Children, which provides services in the city.
Coun Murphy continued: "When Together for Children started every single advert had a list of all the different ways you could work flexibly. Reduced hours, condensed hours, term time working, flexible working, hybrid working.
"That has disappeared from the social worker recruitment landscape. There is no opportunity to progress unless you work full-time.
"I think we need to look closely at what Sunderland did - it's less flexible now because it is so attractive. I know it would make a difference for people like me and lots of my colleagues in terms of them remaining working for local authorities."
Executive director of children, young people and education at Northumberland County Council, Audrey Kingham, acknowledged it was a difficult job.
She said: "We have got some amazing staff and some amazing opportunities, but it is a tough job. It's brilliantly rewarding but lets be honest it is tough.
"It is almost tougher now post-Covid dealing with some of the things we've not dealt with in both social care. We need to think more dynamically on how we showcase this as a career route."
The county council is currently advertising for an "experienced children's social worker" with a salary of between £35,411 and £39,583.
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