Bid to Recruit 1600 Care Workers in Nottingham

As many as 1,600 new care workers are needed to help support people in the community as the pressure on public services increases.

The recruitment drive is essential to the city’s efforts to support people in their own homes during these difficult times – especially those who are elderly and vulnerable. There is also a growing need to support people who are isolated due to coronavirus or who have recently returned home from hospital.

All jobs are paid and are across a variety of care worker roles, but homecare workers in particular are needed in Nottingham as they help with personal care and practical everyday tasks, which is essential for people to remain isolated in their own homes.

Cllr Adele Williams, Portfolio Holder for Adults at Nottingham City Council, said: “Our care workers do an amazing job of making sure people are being looked after in our communities.

“While our doctors and nurses will continue to care for those who are extremely unwell with Covid-19, it is the council’s responsibility to make sure everyone in our city is supported through this crisis. We can only do this with the right number of care workers to support our citizens.”

For all jobs roles recruited by the city council:

• You will be fully paid (£9.94 Plus 12.04% Enhancement)
• You will be trained – no previous experience is necessary, just a desire to care for others
• Your DBS check will be paid for
• The Council will support your application; interviews will be carried out by phone
• Work will be assigned close to your home
• You will be designated ‘critical worker’ status

Care worker recruitment is already underway in the city, with applications already being received – but many more are urgently needed to help the city to cope with rising demand.

Cllr Williams added: “I’ve been moved, like everyone, by the ‘Clap for our Carers’ events happening on our doorsteps every Thursday evening. We are all aware of how important our carers are; they have shown time and again that they are essential in keeping people safe and supported. Many care workers will continue working over the bank holiday weekend to keep residents safe and well. We need more people who are prepared to come forward to join their ranks.

“Our message to people in Nottingham is simple: your city needs you.”

To find out more about care worker roles at the city council, visit the Nottingham Jobs website or call Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508.

Case study: Homecare worker Kelly McKenzie

“I’m a homecare worker because I love my job – and I know that the work I do is making a difference to people in our city; particularly during these times. I get great job satisfaction knowing that I am helping people in Nottingham in their own homes who rely on us for their day-to-day support. It is very rewarding to see a smile on their face when we arrive.

“I’ve been doing this for years, but now my job is more important than ever. I can’t stress that enough: people are really counting on us to help them. We are supporting people who can’t support themselves with everyday tasks like supporting people with medication, preparing a quick meal, personal care and making sure they are OK in themselves.

“We’ve seen some people who are a bit worried at the moment; they see shops that are closing and services that are stopping, but they know that we will continue to care for them. 

"As workers, we have all of the right personal protective equipment so we can continue to go into their homes and help them when they need us the most. I would urge people to get in touch and find out more about these roles.”