New research reveals that alarming staff shortages and deteriorating working conditions are putting children and adults at risk.
The Social Workers Union (SWU) and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) have announced the launch of a wide-reaching campaign to improve professional working conditions for social workers across the UK. This announcement was made at the 2025 BASW UK annual conference in Manchester.
The campaign comes in response to years of research by BASW, SWU, and others showing deteriorating conditions for social workers. New research by SWU with ITV News published in 2025 – in the largest survey of its kind with 2,380 social workers taking part – shows that 86% of social workers believe the profession has inadequate staffing levels, with 84% saying these shortages are seriously limiting their ability to do their jobs properly.
Most alarmingly, 80% of social workers report that understaffing is putting the people they work with at risk, while 90% say that lack of funding and investment is impacting their ability to do their job effectively.
SWU General Secretary John McGowan said:
“The statistics speak for themselves – we are facing a crisis that threatens not just the wellbeing of social workers, but the safety and support of the children, families, and adults who rely on social work services. Urgent action is needed to address staffing levels, workload management, and professional support.”
BASW Chief Executive Ruth Allen said:
“Social workers provide vital services to adults and children at risk of harm and disadvantage, yet both the profession and people they serve are being failed by a system that does not provide adequate resources, staffing, or support. This campaign represents our commitment to ensuring social workers have the conditions they need to protect and support those who depend on their expertise.”
The cost to staff is severe, with 76% of social workers reporting their mental health is in crisis and just over a quarter (27%) find themselves emotionally exhausted at least once a week.
The research reveals that around half of those surveyed are considering leaving social work entirely, representing a potential exodus of experienced professionals at a time when their services are most needed.
The joint campaign “Strong Social Work, Stronger Lives” will focus on:
- Adequate and safe staffing
- Sustainable workloads
- Proper funding and investment in social work services
- Better services through better professional development
- Recognition and respect for social work expertise
- Improved mental health and wellbeing support for practitioners
This latest research builds on a concerning pattern identified in previous studies demonstrating there has been little improvement in working conditions over a 7 year period. Joint research by BASW and SWU with Bath Spa University in 2018 found that 60% of social workers were looking to leave their current job within 15 months, with nearly 40% planning to leave the profession entirely.
BASW’s 2023 annual survey found that 46.91% of respondents identified inadequate staffing levels as one of their workplace’s biggest challenges, while 50.21% reported being unable to manage their current workload.
Comparative analysis shows that working conditions for social workers are worse than 90-95% of other employees in both public and private sector occupations. Social workers are working an average of 64 days per year more than contracted – equivalent to 11 additional hours per week – with high caseloads and administrative burdens creating unsustainable pressure.
During the conference BASW and SWU launched a new wellbeing toolkit to support systemic change involving all stakeholders – from frontline social workers to senior leaders – and announced plans to launch a petition in support of the campaign’s aims. They plan to host a reception in UK parliament in Autumn 2025 to raise awareness of the campaign among MPs and Peers, and gain the support of relevant ministers.
To find out more or to support the campaign to improve professional working conditions for social workers please visit: https://basw.co.uk/about-basw/campaigning-and-influencing/improving-working-conditions-social-workers
Battling the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Campaign Action Pack
Dr Peter Unwin from the SWU funded Austerity Action Group (AAG) also presented the Battling the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Campaign Action Pack. SWU and BASW are proud to support this updated Campaign Action Pack from the AAG and encourage social workers to make use of this toolkit for activism.
The Campaign Action Pack is a step-by-step guide on how social workers and their communities can take action against ongoing austerity and the cost-of-living crisis. In it you will find information on everything from how to organise public meetings, rallies, and awareness-raising film nights to setting up petitions, lobbying, and contacting the press.
The AAG has tried to include everything you need to get campaigning, but would welcome your feedback about what works and what doesn’t. You can get in touch with the AAG at aag@swu-union.org.uk.
Download your free copy today: https://swu-union.org.uk/austerity-action-group/swu-basw-aag-campaign-action-pack-2024
