by political editor Paul Francis

A drive to recruit social workers to Kent from abroad could be hampered by the government’s temporary cap on migrant workers from outside Europe.

Kent County Council has written to the Home Office and Department for Education to flag up its concerns that the limit will undermine its ability to look overseas for qualified social workers.

The authority has carried out a number of successful recruitment drives in America as part of its attempt to fill vacancies at a time when the department is having to deal with an increased number of referrals.

It has also filled posts with workers from Canada and Australia.

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Its concerns over recruitment follow a recent report by Ofsted which said vulnerable children in Kent were being put at risk because there were not enough social workers.

Rosalind Turner, KCC’s managing director for children, families and education, said: "The temporary limit on migrant workers from outside the European Union who are allowed to work in this country will restrict our recruitment of social workers from countries like Australia, Canada and the United States."

She added: "This limit comes at a time when Kent, along with every authority in the country, is experiencing a significant increase in the number of referrals while carrying vacancies in social workers.

"We have written to the Home Office and Department for Education about this."

Recruits often came from countries with surplus qualified workers, who had the advantage of being English speakers.

"We are pleased with their feedback on the experience and support they are receiving while working for KCC," said Ms Turner.

The Home Office said councils were able to apply for additional permits.

Jeremy Oppenheim, UK Border Agency’s National Lead for Temporary Migration, said:

"Under the interim limit employers who urgently need to fill jobs in key shortage occupations, including children and families’ social work, can seek additional permits.

"There is already a streamlined route to recruit overseas social workers working with children and families, as the profession is on the UK Border Agency’s shortage occupation list."

The government is consulting over a permanent immigration cap for next year.