Midlothian social worker policy under fire
![Midlothian Council Debating chamber at Midlothian House, where the meeting took place.](https://www.scotsman.com/webimg/legacy_elm_68808615.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![Midlothian Council Debating chamber at Midlothian House, where the meeting took place.](/img/placeholder.png)
A recruitment policy which demands new social workers start at the bottom has come under fire for potentially putting off experienced staff.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Dr Mary Smith, director of education, community and economy, told members: “We find it is best to grow your own and give them that really good training background.”
Councillor John Hackett (Lab) questioned whether this was adding to recruitment issues after a report on the performance of the council’s children’s services revealed problems replacing experienced staff. It was agreed the council would look into how posts were advertised and consider adding a salary scale into future recruitment adverts.