16-05-2025
Lack of suitable homes making 'significant' contribution to Dumfries and Galloway key worker shortage
A new study has found that the health and social care, education, policing, forestry and farming sectors are all being hit by the problem.
A lack of suitable homes is making a 'significant' contribution to Dumfries and Galloway's key worker shortage.
A new study has found that the health and social care, education, policing, forestry and farming sectors are all being hit by the problem.
And more short-term rental homes are needed near hospitals to help tackle the problem, along with more affordable rural housing.
The report – called Key Worker Homes in the South of Scotland – has been published following research by South of Scotland Community Housing in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Futures Trust.
Chief executive at South of Scotland Community Housing, Mike Staples, said: 'The collaborative nature of this work has underpinned the importance of supplying the right mix of homes to sustain services and grow critical sectors in southern Scotland.
'We look forward to continuing to work with partners to drive forward the report recommendations, including the key role community-led housing can play in meeting localised need.'
The report states that a 'shortage of the right homes in the right places is having a significant impact upon key worker recruitment and retention across the south of Scotland'.
It estimates more than 1,000 NHS staff across the south of Scotland are affected by the problem. It is also an issue in housing care and a 'significant' problem in education and affects around one in five members of staff in the police.
Housing priorities for key workers include more short-term rental housing near hospitals, more new-build family homes for doctors in Dumfries and more employer-provided staff accommodation for those working in tourism and land-based industries.
There is a particular need for more dedicated key workers in rural areas, particularly Stranraer and Sanquhar.
And there is a requirement for 'more affordable rural housing to sustain and grow the young and working age population, addressing staffing challenges in various key worker sectors and the general needs of rural communities'.
Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said: 'Access to suitable accommodation is essential for our key workers, supporting the sustainability of vital services for local people. We need to ensure we have the right homes, in the right places for them. This research helps us all understand what we collectively need to deliver in partnership with employers.'
South of Scotland Enterprise Chair, Russel Griggs OBE, added: 'Key worker homes are essential to our region.
'This research is a first for the South of Scotland and the recommendations will allow partners across the South of Scotland to take proactive evidence-based actions to address this issue.'
