Hampshire has a strong need for more nurses and carers as the County is suffering from a shortage, according to a report. Although County chiefs are denying this shortage is affecting the care of elderly people and children, figures have revealed that it could soon.

Hampshire County Council runs 37 residential and nursing homes, 23 day centres and 11 children's homes. The report reveals a vacancy rate of 317 posts, or 18 per cent in the 1,761 strong residential, nursing and day care workforce at Hampshire County Council last April.

The report into the policy and resources select committee said it found a link between a high vacancy rate, staff turnover and sickness in the nursing home sector. It said: "In particular, there is a serious shortage of registered managers in care homes. High levels of sickness absence lead to a high level of reliance on agency staff with accompanying high costs." Out of the 134 new jobs planned in the 2009/2010 budget, only 61 have been filled, this shows more carers and nurses are needed.

It said there was a link between a high vacancy rate, staff turnover and sickness in the nursing home sector. A county council spokesman said no posts had been frozen in adult social services despite a predicted £2.1m overspend. She said: “We recruit as vacancies occur and are looking to have a rolling programme of regular recruitment activities.”

And Liberal Democrat opposition spokesman for the elderly, Councillor Alan Dowden, said: "All these nursing homes or day centres have to have sufficient care workers because obviously if they are not in place, the quality of care is reduced. I have done a lot of work to get the council to put more money into social services, which it has, but it is like a black hole because of pressures from people living longer. Social care nationally needs to be better funded."