ADULT social carers who have retired or left the profession are being encouraged to return to care work in the Dudley borough during the coronavirus crisis.

Dudley Council is backing the West Midlands wide campaign to recruit more care staff who are urgently needed to help support older and vulnerable adults.

The initiative is particularly calling on those who have left the care sector, but remain registered, to come back. Retired staff are also being asked to re-register and return.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "We are calling on people in Dudley borough who have the amazing and special skills that we need to #ComeBackToCare in these unprecedented times.

"Now more than ever before, people from across the region are recognising the selfless contribution that our adult social care workers make to our society and this is the chance for those who have left to make a difference once again.

"I want to add my personal thanks to everyone in the care sector and I hope people across the borough will continue join me every Thursday at 8pm to #ClapForCarers."

People looking to return to the profession should visit www.comebacktocare.org.uk where they will be fast tracked back to work.

The website will match candidates with the 14 local authorities taking part to get people back on the front line within days.

The campaign is thought to be one of the first in the sector, following similar return-to-work campaigns for doctors, nurses and volunteers in the NHS.