Care companies face ‘mass exodus’

Companies providing care services have warned MSPS they are facing a "mass exodus" of staff amid unprecedented pressures on their workforce.

A group of care companies and other organisations said many care workers were leaving the sector for jobs elsewhere. Some staff are leaving for similar roles within the NHS, where shifts are more regular and conditions are more favourable, MSPS were told.

Holyrood's Health Committee heard from the care providers yesterday, as it continued scrutiny of plans for a new National Care Service which will merge Scotland's local services together.

The National Care Service Bill has faced criticism that it lacks clarity and could lead to spiralling costs.

Margaret Mccarthy, chief executive of Crossroads Caring Scotland, said there had been a "mass exodus" of staff.