Plaid Cymru AM Lindsay Whittle has called on the Welsh Government to improve working conditions for social workers and care assistants.
The South Wales East AM, who is Plaid spokesman on social services, children and equal opportunities, wants a national terms and conditions framework introduced which reflects the responsibilities of social workers’ roles.
Speaking in a recent Assembly debate on social services, Mr Whittle said: “We need to send a positive message to current and prospective social workers that we value the complex and difficult work they do, often with excessive caseloads.
“I believe there is a strong case to establish a national set of terms and conditions for social workers and carers, which would reflect the value that we place on the continuing care of young people in Wales.
“In addition to a national set of terms and conditions I would urge the government to look at the development of consultant social worker grades to enable social workers to progress in their careers without having to leave frontline practice.
“Too often the work that social workers and carers do goes unrecognised. They are the unsung heroes of Wales and this is our opportunity to put in place support for them.”