The Scottish government says it will meet some of the administrative costs for people joining Scotland’s social care workforce to address the current care staff crisis.

Anybody employed to work directly with children or to provide support to ‘protected’ adults, both in care homes and at home, must undergo Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks before they start.

A basic PVG criminal record and personal information check by Disclosure Scotland costs £59, either paid for by the employer or the individual themself.

In addition, people working in social care roles, including support workers, must also register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within the first six months, which charges between £25 and £80 depending on the role.

Social Care Minister, Kevin Stewart, said the government will meet both of these fees on a trial basis until the end of March:

"Care workers have been absolutely critical to our pandemic response, giving vulnerable people the care they need and avoiding further pressure falling on the NHS.

"This trial aims to assist easing winter pressures in this sector by removing any financial barriers that may stop people from applying for a rewarding career in care.

"There are significant pressures in social care due to high vacancy levels and increased demand. I hope this support will encourage those considering joining this vital workforce to go ahead and do so.”

The government says registration fees will be paid for people going into direct care posts in adult social care, comparable roles in children’s social care and in the justice sector.

Read more: Analysis: Care homes face a perfect storm in 2022; Competition ‘compromised’ care at home delivery; Home carer: We were never trained for this.

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