Staff and workforce

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The care sector in Bradford is estimated to employ over 14,000 people; having a sustainable care and support workforce is critical in providing high quality and diverse services to our population. The workforce also contributes to the economy in Bradford offering our residents employment and skills.

Here are some of the key statistics around our workforce.

Size and structure

In Bradford there are approximately 82,000 people aged 65 and above. This population is expected to grow by 30% between 2020 and 2035, which means the adult social care workforce needs to increase by 24% (approximately 3,600 additional jobs) by 2035.

Recruitment and retention

Although overall staff turnover is lower than the England average, some parts of the sector struggle more than others to keep staff, for example the average turnover in residential care homes is as high at 45% and turnover in nursing care homes is 25%.

The destinations of those leaving jobs are difficult to determine in Bradford as well as elsewhere, as many employers don’t record this and employees may not disclose this. We do know however that 65% (2,300) of new starters were recruited from elsewhere is adult social care services

The destinations of those leaving jobs are difficult to determine, in Bradford as well as elsewhere, as many employers don’t record this and employees may not disclose this.

Vacancy rates

Since March 2021 vacancy rates have been increasing as the wider economy reopened and COVID 19 restrictions have been relaxed. Previous data indicated a lower vacancy rate yet more vacancies. This may indicate the sector is shrinking as fewer people are reaching the criteria for support, and also the impact of the pandemic Bradford has 204 social care providers who are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Providers deliver a range of services but the two most common types of care in Bradford are care homes, where individuals are cared for in a residential setting (116), and care at home, where individuals are cared for in their own home, sometimes called domiciliary care (88). These providers deliver services to people whose care is funded by the Council and to those who pay for their own care, often referred to as self-funders.

What does this mean for providers?

We will engage with key partners across the Bradford District and ICS to work in partnership to develop campaigns and plans that will encourage individuals to make social care a career of choice. We will work in partnership across Bradford place to develop current initiatives and try to maximise opportunities for people and organisations.


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