A company which provides in-home care is to create 1,500 jobs nationwide - including a number in Kent .

Elder, which already employs 3,000 live-in carers says the recruitment drive comes as families search out alternatives to residential care following concerns over the coronavirus crisis .

The company – which matches people with professional, full-time carers who move into the home – says it has seen a huge uplift in enquiries about its service in recent months, with thousands more families considering live-in care compared to the same period last year.

It adds deaths in care homes and an expected drop in occupancy as a consequence of concerns is likely to result in job losses in the care home sector.

The firm hopes those with experience in the sector who have lost, or fear losing, their jobs to apply.

Pete Dowds, Elder’s CEO, said: "This announcement is the result of Covid-19 accelerating a trend we were already seeing; more and more people want to remain in their own homes – even when the time comes to get that extra helping hand.

"It’s an open offer. You may have been inspired by the heroic efforts of care workers throughout the pandemic. You may be working in the health and social care space but want more flexibility over your schedule. You may have spent time looking after a loved one and seen how rewarding this sector can be. Or, you may be facing uncertainty in your current employment.

"Whichever of these situations you’re in, we want to hear from you. You can be an integral part of a solution that’s keeping people safe – especially with winter, and the fear of a second wave, on the horizon."

The jobs are available via the company's website .

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