The number of registered social services workers in Scotland grew by 2.5% between April 2022 and March 2023, according to the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

A new report shows there were 168,232 people on the SSSC register in March this year, an increase of 4,064 on April 2022.

The registered workforce represents 80% of the total social service workforce of 208,000 in Scotland.

The number of people on the register working in care home services for adults grew by 4% from 40,940 in 2022 to 42,673 in 2023.

Registered care at home service workers increased by 2% to 64,441

SSSC acting chief executive, Maree Allison, said: “As regulator for the social work, social care and children and young people workforce we hold unique data on our register that provides valuable information for workforce planning and policy makers.

“This first report gives a snapshot of the registered workforce and over time our reports will help build a clearer picture of that workforce that can be used in policy and planning decisions to meet demand for services as Scotland’s population changes.

“The report shows the three largest parts of the register, care at home, care home services for adults and day care of children’s services, all grew over the past year although we know many of these services face recruitment and retention pressures.

“Alongside our annual workforce data reports, this snapshot report helps us understand Scotland’s workforce better so we can contribute to thriving and sustainable social work, social care and children and young people services.”