§ Hywel WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many social workers were employed in(a) England and (b) Wales in each of the last 10 years. [9264]
§ Jacqui SmithThe whole-time equivalent number of social work staff employed by local authorities in England during the past 10 years is:
Whole-time equivalent1 Year (as at 30 September) Social work staff 1991 25,538 1992 26,510 1993 28,333 1994 30,357 1995 31,925 1996 32,140 1997 32,990 1998 33,432 1999 33,912 2000 34,692 1 Including team leaders/assistant team leaders and (from 1993) care managers. Social work staff includes team leaders, assistant team leaders and (from 1993) care managers, as well as social workers. The Department does not collect just the number of social workers.
Information for Wales is a matter for the devolved Assembly.