On Wednesday 20 November, at Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall at the University of Leeds, a panel will discuss whether current social care staff shortages in the UK may represent "the greatest workforce crisis in history" - and what the answers might be to fix it.

The They're Not Clapping Now event, which is free and open to anyone involved and interested in the social care sector, will be chaired by the BBC's Social Affairs Editor, Alison Holt. Among the experts in social care on the panel will be Peter Hodkinson, Managing Director of Westward Care and Chair of Leeds Care Association.

At present, the vacancy rate in the UK's social care sector is estimated at 131,000 (8.3%), while it's thought that - at the current rate - a whopping 540,000 additional posts will be required by 2040. The They're Not Clapping Now debate will explore how we might address this crisis and ensure a sustainable social care workforce into the future.

The event will begin at 3pm at the University of Leeds' School of Music with tea and coffee, followed by a performance of the social care play Fighting for Life. The panel discussion will then take place, followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

If you wish to attend the event in person click here, or if you'd prefer to join us online click here.
"If anyone’s thinking about coming into care and they’re worried that they’ve got no qualifications, we’ve all started from somewhere… if you’re prepared to put the work in there’s a training programme for you."
Sharon
General Manager, Headingley Hall