Many jobs are unfilled as shortages of care staff cause major problems for care homes, community services and hospitals alike. Frontline workers around the world faced a significant burden during the pandemic and since March 2021 when everything began to open to the larger economy, employers reported that recruitment is now even more difficult than before the pandemic, leaving health and social care workers to continue to face the burden and the aftermaths that come with COVID-19.

On average 6.8% of roles in social care were vacant in 2020/21, the equivalent to 105,000 vacancies being advertised a day.

Some of the problems care workers are facing is from patients staying longer in hospital which is putting pressure on the NHS as they continue to struggle with the waiting list backlog from COVID-19.

It is said that there are now more unfilled care jobs than before the pandemic. The government says to help boost the care workforce, changes will have to be made, such as extra funding and regular recruitment. All of us now hoping that they live up to their commitments as these are urgent changes which need to be made to ensure stability for those working and supported within the sector.

It’s vital that government delivers its commitments to place vital social care services onto a sustainable footing.

Even though none of us expected COVID-19 to happen it has made clear the consequences of leaving behind major parts of our society.

BBC News reported on the main factors for the shortages which were all said by various care companies. The main reasons include burnout from the pandemic, compulsory vaccinations, and higher pay available in other sectors as the economy picks up.

Some other key changes for care work were during the pandemic when the number of sickness days taken by staff doubled and occupancy levels in care homes fell due to a high number of deaths among care home residents.

Not only are care staff shortages facing the UK but multiple countries all around the world as COVID-19 continues to take a toll on them. WHO has estimated a fall of 18 million health care workers by 2030, mostly in low and lower-middle income countries. A survey done by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) found that “20% of national nurses associations (NNAs) reported an increased rate of nurses leaving the profession in 2020.” because of these effects ICN estimates up to 13 million nurses could be needed to fill global shortages and replace those who leave within the next few years.

To help with the on-going shortages consistent efforts and commitments will need to be made by governments and funders. Which means support for essential workers, nursing education and development which can be increased by strengthening the health systems.

Another factor of care that needs to be spoken about is for countries governments to create plans for large-scaled disasters and other health emergencies. Plans for long term improvements can also encourage the protection of those currently in the workforce who’s mental and physical health are taking a hit. The public’s trust in health care systems would also take a positive impact when creating these plans to ensure the safety of those around the world. Although, it is not easily earned for many reasons, such as the inequality of vaccination distribution.

Read more on this matter here: It’s Time For Vaccination Equality – Halo Staffing

However, all hope is not lost as reports of the progress around the world is shared, highlighting the importance of trust and what we can all learn from a pandemic.

“The outcome of the first HRH program in Rwanda contributed to building public trust and confidence in the health system. This is critically important when managing a pandemic. Where there is trust, people seek care early, comply more easily with public health measures and have no stigma… Public trust is not built during a pandemic, but before.” As said by Dr. Patrick Ndimubanzi, the Executive Secretary for Rwanda Human Resources for Health (HRH) Secretariat and former Minister of State for health in Rwanda, during a panel hosted by CHAI at the 2021 Skoll World Forum.

As these shortages continue to be present in everyone’s lives, many will be left without help completely. The government recently announced the increase of money going to the social care workforce.

“It must be used to enable new ways of working that recognise the interdependency of all health and care settings, not just to prop up existing approaches and to plug demand in acute care,” says Care Quality Commission (CQC) which is an ongoing worry for many working in healthcare.

The aftermaths of the pandemic left on those who use health and social care services have been given an extra weight, as many continue to struggle to get the care they urgently need. At the same time as many as 4.5 million people have become unpaid carers, estimated by Carers UK. The government also promising to give these unpaid carers support, advice, and rest, which will follow with more detail and advice later in the year.

It’s okay for governments and those in powerful positions to describe frontline workers as heroes but when they offer little to no support for those workers then they are forgetting the impact the pandemic has had on them as well, governments around the world need to continue to offer support and resources to further help everyone working and getting support from those in the healthcare industry.

When people can access the care that they need the outcomes are mainly positive, one of the main things that the pandemic has brought light upon is the determination and bravery from all front-line workers, despite everyone being directly affected by COVID-19 as well, something we are keen is not forgotten.