More social workers needed

Recruiting social work staff is a problem throughout Britain

Children in Denbighshire could be missing out on vital services because of a recruitment crisis for social workers.

A further 13 posts need to be filled in the children's services team in the county, in addition to the current total of 39.

The problem has led to the suspension of some services to families recognised as being at "lower risk".

"Our priority is to make sure that children are kept safe and we are doing everything we can to put this right," said county councillor John Smith.

At a meeting on Tuesday councillors will be asked to make up to £62,000 available for short-term recruitment measures.

The local authority has said teams are working with carefully prioritised workloads and they are trying to recruit more staff as quickly as possible.

The council has said a loss of staff and recruitment problems across the UK has led to the shortage in social workers.

Agency staff are being used to supplement teams.