A social services provider is worried about the number of unregistered and untrained social workers.

The government wants to tighten up the system and is considering forcing workers to get qualifications and be registered.

Of the 1800 workers, about 1200 aren't registered and more than 5000 don't have a post-school qualification.

Manager of Family Works Northern, Laurie Pedlar, is shocked at the numbers.

"It's huge. It's a surprise to me that there are that many. It is a concern overall however it's not a concern for us at Family Works, because we only employ people with appropriate qualifications."

Ms Pedlar said social workers need to be beyond reproach.

"Having well-qualified people gives a better service for all clients. We owe it to our clients to be well qualified and speaking from a very professional base."