Health and Social Care
The health and social care sector accounts for 15% of the entire UK workforce. It includes the NHS, one of the world’s largest employers, and offers a wide range of jobs and careers.
This sector accounts for 10% of total employment in the East of England area. Nearly 243,000 people are employed in over 9,200 work places. Social care, children and young people account for 37% of the workforce and the NHS, independent and voluntary health care employs 63%. Health and social welfare employs around 10% of the Peterborough workforce.
The majority of occupations are linked to hospital activities and community health services. The sector also includes general medical and dental practitioners and healthcare professionals working in nursing homes, private surgeries and retail outlets e.g. pharmacists, opticians and self-employed practitioners.
Most care establishments are small – 60% employ 10 or fewer people and there are only a handful of workplaces employing 200 or more people.
Apprenticeships can be a good route into a job. These enable you to learn new skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.
How much could I earn?
Dental Nurse £14,818
Dental Practitioner £40,907
Healthcare Practice Manager £25,683
Hospital and Health Service Manager £42,850
Hospital Porter £17,618
Medical Practitioner £73,598
Midwife £28,537
Nurse £24,958
Paramedic £35,603
Social Services Manager £36,362
Social Worker £27,192
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
With the recession there may be a cut in spending on public services that may limit the number of jobs in this sector. Health and social work employment in the East of England was expected to increase by 12% between 2004 and 2014.
The reforms linked to the NHS plan are likely to see an increased use of IT in the NHS. It is also expected that the demand for skills in leadership, communications, team working, customer service and partnership working will increase.
There is expected to be an increase in the demand for residential care workers as more people reach the age of 80 or above.
Rising standards and increasing regulation will see more people studying for qualifications.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Society, Health and Development. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.