Skills for Care has today published its State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England 2024/25 report, revealing both positive economic growth in the sector and continuing challenges around workforce sustainability and domestic recruitment.
Sector Growth — Economic Impact Increasing
The adult social care sector contributed £77.8 billion to England’s economy in 2024/25 — a 12.2% increase on the previous year. This growth has been driven by increases in the number of filled posts and rising pay through the National Living Wage.
The total number of roles in adult social care rose by 2.2%, highlighting the continuing expansion of the sector and its vital role in both social infrastructure and economic contribution.
Vacancies Falling — But Still Far Above National Average
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Vacancy rate: 7% — back to pre-pandemic levels, but still three times higher than the wider economy.
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111,000 vacancies remain unfilled across England.
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1.6 million posts are now filled, marking the second-highest increase on record.
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Men now make up a record 22% of the workforce — the third consecutive annual rise.
International Recruitment Still Filling Critical Gaps
While the number of international recruits fell from 105,000 (2023/24) to 50,000 (2024/25), the report makes clear that overseas workers are not replacing British staff — but are instead preventing further workforce shortages.
Over the same period, the number of British workers in the sector fell by 30,000, reinforcing the ongoing challenge of domestic recruitment and retention.
Qualifications & Employment Conditions — Concerning Downward Trend
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Only 38% of care workers now hold a Level 2 qualification, down from 48% in 2018/19.
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62% of providers do not offer enhanced sick pay, and 57% do not offer enhanced pension contributions.
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Workers with none of Skills for Care’s ‘Five Retention Factors’ (relating to pay, hours, training, qualifications, and job security) are nearly three times more likely to leave their role (42.2% vs 14.4%).
Supporting South East Providers to Access International Talent
The report reinforces the crucial role international recruits play in addressing workforce pressures. SESCA’s Displaced Worker Scheme gives South East providers a funded route to recruit experienced migrant care workers already in the UK, with up to £6,000 available per worker sponsored. Find out more.
Access the full Skills for Care report here