This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Some jobs for the boys?
10/03/2006
The number of men employed in the social services sector has increased by 70 per cent in the last decade, according to the latest Social Services Labour Market Report.
Despite this rise, men still only represent 19 per cent of the workforce and Deputy Education Minister Robert Brown today called on more men to help disprove the myth that the sector was 'women's work' by choosing to work everywhere from crèches and nurseries to home care and residential care homes.
The report also shows:
- Councils provide 42 per cent of services
- The social service workforce is slightly older than Scotland's whole workforce, with an average age of 40.
- Around 60 per cent of the work force have qualifications
Mr Brown said:
"For too long men have been put off jobs in these caring professions because they were seen as women's work. I am glad to see that we are beginning to expose this for the stereotype it is.
"I believe a better gender mix in the workforce will help us ensure we have the social services we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century. That's why it is encouraging to see such a massive rise in the number of men in these jobs.
"I hope people who are thinking about starting, or changing, their career will think about the opportunities available in this crucial area, no matter what sex they are."
Kenny Spence, a social services worker from Gilmerton Child and Family Centre, said:
"I have found working in Early Years a rewarding profession and children and families greatly value having both male and female workers. I also manage the Men in Childcare project and have been very encouraged by the number of men interested in undertaking childcare training with over 800 enrolling on courses across Scotland. These students come from all walks of life - bakers, plumbers, office workers, many of whom complete the training and go on to become childcare workers."
This work is supported by the Edinburgh Childcare Partnership and the Scottish Executive.
The second Social Services Labour Market Report is a product of the National Workforce Group (NWG), which was established in 2003 to provide strategic direction to the future development of the social services workforce. The report is designed to inform workforce planning in the sector.
The social service sector covers a diverse range of services. Adult services include residential care homes, day care, home care, helping people with learning difficulties and mental health problems. Children's services include early education and childcare (playgroups, crèches, nursery and childminding), as well as care homes for children.