A business that offers care-at-home for children and adults across Liverpool city region and Cheshire reports record number of recruits for January. Tony McDonough reports

Care At Home Group says it has hired 44 new people in January – a record for the firm.

Warrington-based care-at-home provides 24/7 in-home care for children, young people and adults across Cheshire and Merseyside. It has launched a complex care division after securing a contract renewal with Warrington Council.

Recruitment manager Elicia Lindley was delighted with the response to its recruitment campaign. However, she was also surprised how few applications came from people aged over 50. Just 5% came from the higher age group.

“Our complex care clients require at least one-to-one support. While we are delighted to have taken on 44 new staff in January, only two of those are over 50.

“This simply does not match what we’re hearing, which is that the (job) market is flooded with people with lots of the skills and the life experience that would benefit our clients, and our local community.”

Chief executive of Care at Home Group believes the care sector’s reputation for poor  staff recognition and reward may have deterred over-50s jobseekers. He adds this is a perception they are looking to counter.

“We’ve been caring for clients in the domiciliary care sector for more than 30 years. We’re pleased that Warrington Council have awarded us a new contract to continue to care for their most vulnerable clients. We’d love a diverse team to deliver on that commitment.

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“Simply put, carers and healthcare staff do an amazing job and offer a bit of their heart to their clients. They look after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and I believe that they deserve better recognition for the work that they do. 

“As a company we’re trying to create a better perception of the industry. By raising our game in terms of training, ongoing career support and our innovative rewards package, and promoting the positive work that our carers do every day.”

Care at Home is continuing to recruit staff and would love to hear from people in the over 50s age group. Click here for more information.