Cllr Asima Shaikh: ‘Many health and social care providers are looking for new staff to provide the high level of service and quality Islington is known for’

THIRTY people were offered job interviews after attending Islington’s Health and Social Care jobs fair on Wednesday.

Around 100 attended the event, with more than 20 health and social care organisations seeking employees.

The industry currently faces widespread staffing shortages, with 8.2 per cent of adult social care roles in the UK unfilled as of August.

The Tribune reported last week how the council’s adult social care funding has been cut, with Islington’s health chief describing the situation as being “like a horror story”.

Against this backdrop, Councillor Asima Shaikh, Islington’s economy and jobs chief, said: “Islington Council is determined to support local people into good, well-paid jobs.

“Many health and social care providers are looking for new staff to provide the high level of service and quality Islington is known for, and this is a great opportunity for local people to pursue fulfilling careers, as well as the chance to learn and develop key skills.

“With furlough now ended, many people in Islington are looking for advice on new career options and help on where to find a job with good prospects. I am delighted that 30 local people have got a new opportunity from attending the event.”

Wednesday’s budget saw chancellor Rishi Sunak announce £4.8bn of new funding over the next three years for social care and other services. But UK charities and care groups have said it is “nowhere near enough” as a difficult winter looms.

The charity Care England warned that the underfunding of social care will have “serious and far-reaching consequences”.