Andrea Egan has urged social workers to know their rights and defend them collectively after addressing UNISON's national social work seminar on Saturday.
In a Sunday statement, the union's general secretary described social work as valuable but emotionally intense, challenging and sometimes exhausting.
The seminar at UNISON Centre in London brought together members working in social work and related roles to discuss shared challenges and the support available through the union.
Its advertised workshop programme included help with professional-regulator referrals and tackling violence at work. The programme also provided opportunities for members from different nations and regions to exchange experience.
Egan, herself a social worker, linked recognition of the profession's value with collective protection for those doing the job. Her message emphasised that workers should be equipped to stand up for their rights alongside colleagues.
