SOCIAL workers are paying for clients’ food, public transport, clothing, cleaning supplies and energy prepayment meter top-ups, a survey has revealed.

Research published by the Social Workers Union (SWU) today showed that 76 per cent could not claim back the money they had spent to help those in need. 

More than one in four reported helping out every month, with 9 per cent saying that it happened even more frequently. 

SWU general secretary John McGowan said: “Social workers are often the last line of defence for families in crisis. 

“Too often that means social workers are stepping in personally to help meet essential needs of the people we support — helping to put food on the table, keep the lights and heat on, buy a pair of shoes for a child. 

“The results from this survey paint a stark picture of the hidden costs of poverty and the immense pressures on front-line workers.”

He added that he was “profoundly disappointed” in the omission of social care in the Chancellor’s Budget.

“No additional funding for social care means that the sector — which has already been cut to the bone by austerity and is in the midst of a staffing and funding crisis — will be further stretched and expected to absorb additional costs incurred by this Budget,” he said.

“Chronic underfunding continues to negatively impact social workers and the people we support, leaving us to shoulder rising pressures. 

“The government needs to invest in social care now and use the Casey Commission to deliver meaningful reform to adult social care in England. To kick this issue down the road, yet again, would put the entire care system at risk.”