Britain aims to recruit social workers

LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- Britain's education secretary has announced plans to recruit 200 social workers from professions including teachers and lawyers.

Education Secretary Ed Balls announced his plans to increase the country's number of social workers after reports about a 17-month-old child referred to as Baby Peter, who died after months of abuse by his mother, her boyfriend and a lodger, The Daily Telegraph reported Thursday.

The child endured months of violence despite at least 60 visits to his home from social workers and an entry on the London Haringey Council's child protection register.

Balls said the new social workers would be subject to a new set of "on the job" qualifications. He said the recruits would be paid during their training periods.