Almost 1,000 care homes in the UK are operating without a registered manager.

According to new figures released by the Care Quality Commission, the lack of professionals in social care management jobs came to light as part of the CQC's re-registration process for adult social care providers.

The new registration process has been running since May and closed on 1 October. The change to legislation means all care providers must have a named and accredited manager under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The CQC has registered more than 15,000 care homes as part of 20,000 adult social care services since May.

Cynthia Bower, chief executive of the CQC told Community Care: "We know from experience that care services without leadership can struggle to address any problems that may arise."

However, Sheila Scott chief executive of the National Care Association acknowledges that some care homes had experienced difficulty registering a new manager, because one manager had left while the provider was completing its registration. But the CQC said the registration of managers could be done alongside the registration of care providers.

Both Scott and Bower agreed it was difficult obtaining staff with the right experience and qualifications that meet the CQC's care management criteria.

"The sector as a whole needs to take a robust approach to seeking solutions to the shortage of registered managers. It cannot be allowed to continue indefinitely," Bower added.