Some of the problems facing the social work profession in particular had become clear - too much time taken up with form filling, a shortage of front-line staff and increasing caseloads.

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But he thinks his co-religionists have won respect for their willingness to work with other faiths in easing social problems, including the plight of migrants.

ECONOMIST: Catholics in Britain

Richard Barker, from the College of Social Work, said the failure to properly invest in care was storing up problems for the future.

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