Qualified social workers must not be overworked and should receive regular supervision from management, according to the latest proposals from the Social Work Reform Board.

A progress report which was published today detailed the reform board's plans to overhaul the social work profession in England. Proposals include reforming social work education, a new continuing professional development framework and new rules for employers setting out minimum requirements for working conditions.

As reported by Community Care, the report stated that pressures on front line social workers had not reduced since the Social Work Reform Board was started a year ago. With a lack of face-to-face time with families and high vacancy rates, some employers may look to employ a social work assistant in an effort to ease social workers case load.

Children's minster Tim Loughton said: "I welcome the Social Work Reform Board's proposals which are an important step for social workers to gain the status and respect they so rightly deserve. We are committed to making a real difference to front line social work and to implementing the Social Work Reform Board's recommendations."

"That is why in the New Year we will be announcing significant funding to implement the reforms and Professor Munro's recommendations to improve child protection," he added.