To ask the Minister of Health to detail any steps that are being taken to improve recruitment and retention within the domiciliary care workforce.

I recognise that recruitment and retention challenges within the domiciliary care workforce remain significant and are central to the wider pressures facing the social care system.

Workforce sustainability is therefore a key priority within my Department’s reform agenda. Through the Reforming Adult Social Care and Support 10 Year Strategic Plan and associated Delivery Plan, we are taking forward a programme of work focused on improving job quality, strengthening career pathways and moving away from rigid time and task models that place pressure on staff.

I have also committed to the introduction of the Real Living Wage for social care workers, recognising that fair pay is an important factor in supporting recruitment and retention, alongside wider work through the Fair Work Forum to improve terms and conditions across the sector.

In addition, my officials continue to engage with Trusts and providers to support more flexible deployment of staff and to target recruitment efforts, particularly in hard to cover areas.