Nottingham County Council has turned to recruitment agencies for support in filling child social services vacancies in the area.

The departure of some of the council's permanent staff and a growing backlog of cases led to the council recruiting agency staff. They have spent £1.5 million hiring professionals to fill the temporary social work jobs.

The county council has said it will use new staff to help clear the backlog and to assist in the dealing of an increasing number of cases. At present, two teams totalling 16 social workers and two managers, have been recruited with the help of the recruitment agency.

Steve Edwards, service manager in the council's social services department told the Nottingham Post: "Child protection is our biggest priority. It is positive we are taking this action, but I accept it is expensive."

According to the Nottingham Post, Nottingham City Council currently has a high level of job vacancies for social workers and as a result, has called on schools, the NHS and voluntary groups not to refer new cases unless it is absolutely necessary.

Martin Sleath, a Unison convener in children's social care at the county council, said he understood the need for temp workers, as all councils are currently stretched.

Mr Edwards insists the situation at the county council is rapidly improving. "The teams are experienced social workers and the backlog is pretty much clear now," he said.

However, he acknowledged that Nottingham County Council were in a better position than other councils, as they are still able to recruit newly qualified staff.