Social workers increasingly struggling amid cost of living crisis
More social workers are suffering “personal and financial challenges” due to the rising cost of living, a charity has warned.
The Social Workers’ Benevolent Trust (SWBT) said it is seeing an increase in social workers struggling, affecting their ability to do an already demanding job.
Su Roxburgh, chair of SWBT, said: “Social workers work tirelessly in emotionally and physically demanding roles, yet their pay frequently falls short of what is needed to keep up with rising expenses.
“The escalating costs of housing, energy, childcare, and transportation place immense pressure on social workers, particularly those in regions with higher living expenses.
“Commuting to visit clients – often a requirement of the job – has become significantly costlier due to rising fuel prices.
“Similarly, the challenge of affording professional licenses, continuing education, and self-care resources can further stretch already tight budgets.”
Roxburgh said the cost of living crisis had “unique and often overlooked implications” on social workers who are not high earners.
She added: “The financial stress doesn’t only affect social workers’ wallets – it also takes a toll on their mental and emotional health.
“Balancing personal financial pressures with the emotional demands of their roles can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety.
“In extreme cases, some social workers have reported needing to rely on food banks or financial aid programmes, which is a stark irony given their role in helping others navigate similar struggles.”
The SWBT is the only UK charity dedicated to providing financial support to social workers experiencing hardship. It offers grants typically of around £350 but in some circumstances as much as £500 to spend on things like white goods, beds and other household items and car repairs to enable social worker to go to work.
Data from last year shows most applicants – 73 per cent – were in employment. The charity also noted an increase in applications from social workers who have suffered domestic abuse.
Charity trustee Mike Young said: “Some social workers have written about how they and their children have had to flee violent or controlling partners, perhaps moving to a safe place in another part of the country.
“They then have to start up a new home for themselves and their children, probably without most of their personal belongings or what is needed for everyday living such as beds, a cooker or a washing machine, and so on.”
Sudden illness in the family requiring social workers to stop working is another reason for applications, said Young, especially among agency workers.
The charity awarded grants to 381 applicants paying out £87,000 between 2023 and 2024 compared to 174 grants paying out £72,930 in the previous year.
It is appealing for donations so it can meet the increasing demand.
“Social workers spend their working lives helping others but there are times when they need support themselves,” said Roxburgh.
“It is vital that we support our community of professionals so if anyone can help us help others please visit the SWBT website where you can find out how to donate.”