Debate contribution: Social Workers: Safeguarding, Early Intervention and Family Support
Debate contribution by Mr Mike Nesbitt on .
- MLA
- Mr Mike Nesbitt
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Social Workers: Safeguarding, Early Intervention and Family Support
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5644873
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The children's social work workforce continues to experience significant pressures. However, there has been a modest increase in staffing over the past two years. In April 2024, there were 1,133·5 whole-time-equivalent band 5 to 7 social workers in post: as of April this year, that has increased to 1,199·8, which is an increase of 66·3 whole-time-equivalents. That is reflected across a number of health and social care trusts, although variation remains. Belfast increased from 215 to just over 263; Northern from 222 to 257; South Eastern from 226 to 229; Southern went from 210 to 192; and Western slightly decreased from 259·4 to 257·1. The figures demonstrate progress in increasing capacity in some areas, but pressures remain. I will continue to work with the trusts to strengthen recruitment and retention and work alongside wider reform efforts at reducing demand through earlier intervention and improved family support.
146 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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