BASW statement on social worker Covid-19 deaths

Official figures released this week by the Office for National Statistics showed the deaths of ten social workers, and an additional two social services managers, involved Covid-19 between 9 March and 20 April.

The British Association of Social Workers is deeply saddened to learn about the loss of our colleagues and send our heartfelt condolences to their family, friends and colleagues.

These figures run up to 20 April, so dreadfully we do not know how many other social workers deaths involving Covid-19 there have been since then, or how many social workers are suffering from the virus right now.  

Currently, we are not fully aware of all the details including whether the employees were likely to have contracted Covid-19 due to their job role, but will be following developments closely.

What we do know is that social workers continue to work tirelessly, knocking on doors, delivering vital services out in communities, and thus, like their health colleagues, are at greater personal risk.

Social workers must be recognised for the vital role they are playing during the pandemic crisis and beyond.