A recruitment campaign to fill 38 vacant social workers positions in the county has been launched by Wiltshire Council.

The roles are vacant despite the council offering applicants up to 15 per cent more than the market rate for any grade.

An average social worker’s salary is between £28,922 and £33,998.

Instead the roles are being covered by 44 full-time agency staff. The council is refusing to say how much extra is being spent on them.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children services, said: “One of our key priorities is to protect those most vulnerable in our communities and ensuring we have the best people on the frontline of this care and support is very important.

“We want our potential employees to see that in Wiltshire you can have a great career with the right support, flexible working and career progression while doing a job that you love.”

To try and sell the council and the county to would-be applicants the council has posted video diaries from staff and young people who have been supported by the Wiltshire system on Social Care Matters, a section of the Wiltshire Council website (socialcarematters.co.uk).

Carolyn Godfrey, corporate director for children services said: “We are investing in our social workers and have some exciting longer term plans which means those choosing to work in Wiltshire can carry out their vital work in a supportive atmosphere that recognises the important work they do for vulnerable members of our society.”

Longer term plans include developing a social work academy in the county.

Corporate director Maggie Rae said: “There are many very committed social workers out there who love their job and do it extremely well despite the pressures that we know the job entails.

“We’re saying you can follow your vocation here in Wiltshire and we will support and invest in you as you carry out one of the most important services this council provides.”