Since the post-COVID reopening of the economy, staffing shortages in the care sector in England have been of increasing concern. In October 2021, British charity Skills for Care warned that, at 8.2%, adult social care vacancy rates in England were exceeding pre-pandemic levels (which in 2019, stood at 8%). That figure has since exceeded 10%, according to Skills for Care’s monthly tracking.
The UK government has sought to remedy this crisis, in part, with the new health and social care levy, which came to force in April 2022. This levy is currently being implemented as an increase in National Insurance contributions.
Experts have pointed out that this is having a disproportionate impact on household budgets for those on lower incomes and those below the age of 50. They have also warned that it won’t fix the problem.
