Sinn Féin MLA Linda Dillon has called for urgent action to ensure safe staffing levels in social work teams working with vulnerable children and their families.

Speaking as social workers in children’s services begin industrial action today, the party’s social care spokesperson said:

“Children’s services are understaffed and staff are under extreme pressure as they try to deliver vital services.

“Workers do not want to take this action, but they have been forced to do so. Their focus and priority is working on the frontline and supporting vulnerable children and their families.

“The health minister must bring forward a plan to address significant and ongoing staffing shortages, to increase recruitment, retain experienced staff, and ensure safe staffing levels for social work teams within trusts.

“The minister must also ensure support for vulnerable children and their families during the industrial action.”