‘Devastating’ social care shortages leave more than 500,000 adults waiting for help

New research estimates more than 500,000 adults are waiting for social care in England.

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) said the new figures are a major increase from last year’s estimate of 294,000.

Adass president Sarah McClinton told the BBC it was having “a devastating impact on people’s lives”.

The organisation said the sector is experiencing a growing shortage of workers which is worsened by low pay and the cost-of-living crisis.

In April, government advisers said carers should be paid a higher minimum wage and made permanently eligible for work visas under immigration rules to help tackle the shortages.