"A legendary social worker (and Labour movement activist) has retired" Dave Draycott

I have just congratulated on Facebook, Dave Draycott, a former Newham Council social worker and Leeds Labour movement activist (legend) on his retirement.

Dave has been a social worker for 44 years and a very active trade unionist, who also served as a Labour Councillor.

He is not at all "shy and retiring" and over the years he has got himself into bother because of this, from time to time, but in my experience, he has been a good comrade to me and others, as well as a pragmatic and authentic champion of the working class.

On Facebook tonight he posted "Well started in 76 and it’s time to go, retiring from Social Work and my team mates know me so well: single malt and political satire, hits the spot. The pressures of work will not be missed my workmates will, a great bunch."

I am pretty sure that we have not seen the the last of Dave Draycott in our movement. Hat tip to Unmesh for the Facebook link.

Social Worker Stabbed to Death

Yesterday, Philip Ellison, age 47 and father-of- three was murdered at a “Supported Living Facility” in Preston. A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and under the Mental Health Act.

The BBC quotes a UNISON spokesperson saying that this death was "a tragedy" and "illustrates the dangers of this type of job".

Philip’s family have released a statement saying “He was very committed to working in a job he had done for eight years and was known and loved in a variety of different communities and he will be missed by all."

My thoughts are with Philip’s family.

However, while this is obviously a “tragic incidence” and I know nothing about the particular facts of this individual case. I hope that the enquiry into the murder will examine what information was made available to Philip that day about his clients, their friends and family members? Was this information up-to-date? Did all the care agencies (not only the Council, but NHS, Police, Probation, past Housing providers etc) properly share information relating to the risks from clients? Where the risks properly evaluated? Where and suitable and sufficient control measures put in place?

In health and social housing this hasn’t always been the case.