RETIRED care workers are being urged to come back into the sector to help during the coronavirus outbreak.

Cornwall Council said it would like to hear from anyone living in Cornwall who has experience of working in social care – including retired social workers or those who have recently left the profession – to help it maintain the support provided to vulnerable families, children and adults through the Covid-19 pandemic.

The council's portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health, Cllr Sally Hawken, said: “Those who take up the call will be deployed in their local area to work that is matched to their experience and skills.

"We need to increase our social care workforce to help and protect Cornwall’s most vulnerable children and families who need our help most at the moment.”

The call out comes after Social Work England announced plans to contact 8,000 former social workers who have left the register in the past two years.

Cornwall Council is extending this invitation to local, ‘fit, proper and suitably experienced professionals’ to bolster efforts during this emergency.

For those that have not worked in the area for more than two years, have worked within social care services as a registered social worker at any point, or worked in a supporting role within children’s or adult’s services, there might be alternative positions available.

Cllr Hawken added: “I’d like to thank our social work teams who are doing a fantastic job of supporting families during this difficult time and also to thank those who come forward to answer this call. There have never been times like these before and we need everyone to play their part to help get us all though this.”

Portfolio holder for adults, Cllr Rob Rotchell, said: “We have recently put a call out for more carers in the social care sector and we’re very grateful to all of those who have got in touch so far.

"This campaign widens our search further, so if you have experience of working in social services and think you could help then it is vital that you get in touch and will be very grateful for your support, as will Cornwall’s most vulnerable adults, children and families who need all the help we can provide at this present time.”

To register your interest email HRdeployment@cornwall.gov.uk and they will contact you for further details of your qualifications and skill set.

Those who would prefer to volunteer should contact Volunteer Cornwall through www.volunteercornwall.org.uk or call 01872 266988.