A team leader from Grassington is spearheading a campaign to address the drastic shortage of staff in the care sector.

Harriet Midgley, 23, who works at Gills Top care home in Scar Street, hopes to encourage job seekers to join the care sector in order to meet the ever growing demands of Britain’s ageing population.

Her campaign follows a report issued by Anchor and the International Longevity Centre which says 40 per cent of the projected increase in England’s working age population will need to enter the care profession to tackle a staffing timebomb.

If current trends continue, England could face a shortfall of 718,000 care workers by 2025. There are particular concerns about the lack of men joining the profession.

Harriet – who was presented with an Open Doors Business Award from Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in November – said that as Britain’s population aged, dementia was going to be more prevalent.

She said she was proud to work in the care sector and would encourage other young people to follow her lead.

She said: “Originally I became a care assistant as a stepping stone into caring for young people but having started at Gills Top I realised I had found my vocation.

“I really enjoy working with older people because it’s so rewarding. You’re making a big difference to the lives of vulnerable people. I like helping them out.

“Every day is different and that’s what makes the job interesting.

“There is a good career path in the care sector and I’ve been promoted from care assistant to team leader in two years.

Harriet explained that the role of a carer calls upon a broad range of talents and abilities.

“There are lots of opportunities to learn new skills and my family are surprised how many skills you need to be a carer. We really need more good people to do this important job.”

She added that the whole of society had to address the workforce timebomb otherwise older people in the future faced a life without care.

Harriet said: “The care sector needs to attract a wider range of staff – young and old – and we need more men to consider care as a potential career.

“Our workforce should reflect the diversity of our residents,” she said.

Anyone wanting to find out more information about a career in care should go to facebook.com/anchorjobs.