We need more men says Welsh council as demand for male care workers 'outstrips supply'

A lack of men in the home care workforce has prompted a Welsh council to go public to appeal for more male workers in Powys.

The elderly, disabled and others requiring care at home can give a preference for either women or men to look after them and Powys County Council is not alone in admitting that ‘demand for male carer workers outstrips supply’.

Councillor Stephen Hayes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for adult social care, said: "I have seen time and time again the difference that home care workers make to people's lives, enabling them to carry on life in their own homes, in their own communities.

"However, the sector needs more care workers - not just working for us but for external agencies, too so that we can continue to meet the increasing demand for home care."

"We are particularly looking to boost the male workforce”, he added.

Throughout the UK, women make up 84 per cent of the home care workforce.

There are a number of care agencies providing employment in the sector in Powys and the county council also has a team of home care workers.

Unpaid carer: ‘I had room to care for others as a formal carer’

Robert Morgan was an unpaid carer for his daughter, son and wife before he applied for a job to be a professional home care worker. He is now a team leader with Spectrum, a care agency working in the south of Powys.

"From the birth of one of my daughters who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy my life began caring for my family” said Mr Morgan.

“My son has Multiple Sclerosis so I also care for him. I also cared for my wife who passed away in 2015.

"I came to Spectrum for an interview in 2016 after losing my wife and thought that I had room to care for others as a formal carer.

“I secured a position as a homecare worker and through training and support my skills developed and I was promoted to team leader. I love working in care and knowing that I make a difference to people's lives".

As well as Spectrum, home care providers Abacare, Radis, Affinity and Q Care are just some of the domiciliary employers operating in the Powys area.

You can find details of home care jobs in Powys on the Powys County Council website.

If you are interested in a home care job you can also visit homecare.co.uk's job section by clicking here