Comment: Changes to IR35 taxation rules

Chair of the ADCS Workforce Development Policy Committee, Rachael Wardell, said:

“ADCS has long raised concerns around the spiralling costs of agency social work on local authorities. It is vital that we have a strong consistent, permanent workforce to support children and families but we are seeing more of our workforce turning to agency, particularly among newly qualified social workers and this is a growing concern. ADCS is also concerned about the practice of some agencies who are only offering teams of social workers rather than individual workers, and at high costs. This is only putting even greater strain on already stretched budgets and it does not benefit children and families. Local authorities will be considering what the changes to IR35 taxation rules mean for them, their workforce, and most importantly, for the children and families we work with - we urge government to do the same.

“Local authorities are looking at their own employment offer so that it better reflects what social workers want and need, but we need the government’s support to improve workforce sufficiency and stability to reduce our reliance on the agency social work workforce. The flexibility provided by agency social workers can be helpful in managing peaks and troughs in demand for services, however, it’s important that the market is effectively managed to ensure it provides a quality workforce and value for money.”

ENDS

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