A HAMPSHIRE MP will be the figurehead for a new government campaign to tackle the shortage of staff in adult social care.

Gosport MP and Minister of State for Care Caroline Dinenage will host the launch the campaign at a roadshow aimed at care professionals at Solent University tomorrow.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, there is an estimated 20,000 vacancies in the adult social care, with 63,000 leaving the sector every year out of a total workforce of 209,000.

Ms Dinenage said: “Adult social care is too often seen as the ‘Cinderella service’ to our NHS.

“I’m determined to change this perception, starting with our hardworking social care workforce.

“There is huge demand for more care professionals who work incredibly hard to look after the most vulnerable people in our society.

“We must spread the word that careers in adult social care can be rewarding, varied and worthwhile.

“Care is a vocation where you can transform people’s lives and every day is different to the next.

“Our national recruitment campaign will support care providers to recruit thousands more talented people.

“If you think a career in care would be for you, I urge you to look up the opportunities in your local area and become part of a vital growing profession.”

Southampton Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Lorna Fielker, will also be on hand, as well as local care workers and care recipients.