The role of young workers (18-25) in the English care sector

With the increased demand on the social care sector, attracting more workers to the sector becomes a priority. Recently the government has recognised the potential of young workers in the care sector and a number of strategies and media campaigns have targeted this group. In this issue of Social Care Workforce Periodical (SCWP), the current contribution of young workers (18-25) in the English care sector is explored using the NMDS-SC, May 2009 data set. The findings presented in this issue show that young workers constitute 12 percent of all workers aged 18-75 in the NMDS-SC. The median age of young workers is 22 years. When comparing the characteristics of young workers (18-25) to older workers (26-75) they tend to travel shorter distances to work and are less likely to work in London, though this needs further testing as more NMDS-SC returns are obtained from London. A logistic regression examining the profile of young workers, shows a number of significant differences in the characteristics and employment profile of young and older workers.