CARE workers across Lanarkshire are at "breaking point" over staff shortages and burnout, a union warns.

UNISON, who represent carers at employers throughout Scotland, has launced a support group for under pressure social care workers, claiming that the situation is becoming "increasingly difficult."

The union reports staff shortages through sickness, workers leaving because they have "had enough" and problems filling vacancies have added to pressures faced by already stressed out staff. Carers are also facing possible job losses after some employers indicated they would dismiss staff who refuse to get the Covid-19 vaccine.

READ MORE: GMB union claims Glasgow will have more than 6000 less community service places if cuts go ahead

Care worker May Leggat*, who works at a care home in North Lanarkshire, said it was a regular occurrence now to turn up for work and find staff shortages. “We are worried these staffing levels could compromise our own and residents’ safety.

"We are also worried about our professional registration if something bad goes wrong because of inadequate staffing levels. No one is picking up overtime because we are all burnt out. Everyone is at rock bottom at the moment. We just aren’t able to give residents in our care the care and attention they need because we are so short staffed.

Liz Smith*, who works at a South Lanarkshire home, added: “We’ve always had to work hard but now staff shortages are so bad that nurses and care workers are being told to mop the floors and wash the dishes on top of all the other tasks.

"We are really worried about staffing levels and how much more we can take. We are having to cover shifts with less than half the usual staff and we’ve only got time to provide the most basic care. We don’t have time for breaks or any quality time with residents in our care. It’s heartbreaking and I don’t blame people for wanting to leave.”

Stephen Smellie, depute convenor of UNISON Scotland and secretary of the South Lanarkshire branch said “It’s important for workers to join forces and stand together to raise concerns about their jobs, their pay, their conditions and the people they care for. If their voices are to be truly effective, they need the support of a union like UNISON.

“We are holding regular drop-in sessions facilitating discussions and providing information and training sessions to help them progress in their work and, if they want, in UNISON.”

“People don’t want to do the job any more because of the pressure. We have already lost several colleagues and everyone is looking elsewhere.”

*Names have been changed by the union to protect workers anonymity