§ Hywel WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Executive of the National Assembly for Wales regarding social worker recruitment and retention; and if he will make a statement on the results of these discussions. [9265]
§ Jacqui SmithOfficials of the Department have had extensive discussions with officials of the Executive of the National Assembly for Wales about social worker recruitment and retention. Ministers have been kept informed of these discussions. The result is an agreement that any Welsh people who contact the recruitment helpline recently launched in England, or request information via e-mail, will be given the information they require and will be directed to the Care Council for Wales for further information. The Department will continue to 893W work closely with the National Assembly for Wales, and will share information and learning on the recruitment and retention of social workers.