The government has unveiled plans to increase the numbers of those in social care jobs.

In news that could interest those looking for such work via a regional recruitment portal, the campaign aims to encourage some 5,000 recently-retired Britons who used to have such work to get back into the profession.

Those registering with the initiative will be able to benefit from a number of training schemes to help bring them up to speed with the requirements of their work.

News of the programme comes after research published by the Local Government Association (LGA) indicated that 89 per cent of councils have reported problems in attracting experienced social workers.

Margaret Eaton, chair of the LGA, said: "There are real difficulties for councils in recruiting and retaining high calibre social worker staff", adding that attracting such social work professionals back into work will "help keep children safe".

"It is a tough job to do and for councils it is the toughest job to fill," she adds.

Last September, it was revealed that investment from the Children’’s Workforce Development Council has seen Bath and North East Somerset council set up a pilot scheme allowing social workers more time to work with families.

More regional recruitment portal information.