The State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England annual report from Skills for Care shares information about the people who work in adult social care – how many there are, what jobs they do, and the challenges employers are  facing.

The report for 2025 has just been published, read here.

It shows that the number of jobs in social care is growing and that the number of vacant posts has fallen to 7%.

That is still high though compared to other kinds of jobs like working in a shop.

The report also showed what many people already know, which is that lots of people are leaving their jobs – this can range from 42% turnover in some organisations to 14.5% in others.

The report also highlights five factors that Skills for Care think infuence if staff stay in their jobs, these are:

• pay up to 30% below the local authority average  

• not being on a zero-hours contract  

• receiving training  

• having a qualification relevant to social care  

• working full-time

As Liz Wilson, Family Member Rep, explains:

“Although some people want and need part time hours, most need work that pays enough to cover the bills. We are losing great people who simply can’t afford to stay no matter how much they love the work. What do we need to do to make it possible for these people to stay?”

Many Learning Disability England member organisations are struggling to make the money work, but they continue to try to deliver really good support, for all the reasons Mary says here.

We know from the Good Lives Framework, co-produced with people with learning disabilities, their families and supporters, that having consistent, trusted staff is essential for people to live good lives.

Consistency in people and relationships matters to everyone, especially for people who rely on social care support.  

Liz says:

“As a parent I know how important it is to have support from a familiar team that know you well.”

At least 32% of the jobs in social care are working with people with learning disabilities.

Yet, often the challenges those staff and their employers are not being prioritised in policy. 

Learning Disability England members believe there needs to be a stronger focus on relationship-based recruitment and retention.

To do this, commissioners should co-design guidance with local people who draw on support and build alliances with community groups, advocacy, and campaigning organisations.  

Learning Disability England is part of Social Care Futures, which makes sure that the voices and experiences of people with learning disabilities are part of national campaigns for a better, fairer, more person-led social care system.

The movement advocates for a vision of social care that empowers individuals, communities and staff, with new roles that are designed in co-production with people who draw on care and support.

Mary and Scott from Learning Disability England made this video last year on why good social care staff matter so much. The Casey Commission has started its work, and members are involved and speaking up on the points they raise.