Question:  I would therefore ask that UNISON consider obtaining and publishing information regarding:

 

• The number of social workers who have left Cambridgeshire County Council during the last five years.  Unison has asked for reasons for leaving HR will share after next CLT report

• Vacancy and turnover rates across social work services.  I will find this out and report back.

• Levels of stress-related sickness amongst social workers.  Absence – figures are available and have now been amended,  and absence is accurately reported and within Management Teams with the main reasons for absence remaining as Anxiety, Mental Health and Depression, particularly long term there is no single reason for absence and it is not solely work related – people have a number of aspects of their lives and we aim to support as best we can.  This is a response from the employer.

• Agency staffing levels and costs.  10.5% as reported in July 2026, cost are available and will appear here when I find this out.  Unison is aware of 2 interim staff reportedly on £500 per day.  Clearly this is not a sustainable position for the Council to be in.

• The impact that the removal of retention payments has had on recruitment and retention. Children's services have not changed their retention payments.  Adults have removed them all.  A senior member of staff reports that there is no shortage of staff across any team in Adults, so they are not needed.

   

 

Question:  I would also ask for a clear update to all social worker members setting out:

 

 Workloads are a constant agenda item for Unison to ask, so much so, Senior staff have the figures ready for this question.  Some of these responses are taken straight off the JCNG minutes

 

• What specific issues have been raised with the council on behalf of social workers.

To be completed

 

• What action has been taken by UNISON in relation to workload pressures and staff wellbeing.

 

- Workloads – RT reported people are still regularly working over contracted hours. Varies between teams but overall it is the complexity of the work rather than the volume of work. MP responded - Improved performance within the court arena, have seen improvement since a movement of management. 

 

- Question focused on workload, MP explained the pressure moves around the system and is hopefully Families First will have a positive impact. If individuals are working consistently high numbers of hours please do bring that forward. RT requested that there is a message to address the hours. Reference to a message from Stephen re contracted hours. RT to raise individual instances as appropriate

 

At the most recent meeting 28 July, I was informed that only 5 staff, all in Assessment had case loads over 30.

 

• What outcomes have been achieved.

 

Stephen Moir has put out the message that he does not expect staff to work beyond their contractual arrangements on 2 occasions.  I also asked that a memo went out to all managers reminding them of this contractual right.

 

• What plans UNISON has to address the current recruitment and retention crisis.

   

Assessment teams are always under the most pressure – 9.5% rising to 10.5% in July, agency across the whole service with the majority in assessment and MASH.  

 

Unison recognise and so I believe does Martin and Patrick, that agency workers are not the best answer to a staffing crisis.  Unison pushes for better conditions, but the financial impact of central gov funding presents difficulties.  Unison has requested that SW receive an increased pay offer, and that this increase would be covered by the savings of agency staff.  There is no support for this within CLT.