A SUPPORT agency is set to create more than 50 jobs for carers and nurses in south and east Kent.

Established by a husband and wife team, Jeremy and Ann-Sofi Speakman, the Kent and Medway branch of Abacus Care aims to reduce demands on the care sector across the region by supplying key care workers to residential homes desperate for staff.

Abacus Care is part of a nationwide franchise supplying prisons, hospitals, nursing and rest homes with trained staff on a full and part-time basis.

Jeremy Speakman has more than 15 years’ senior management experience in the care sector and his wife worked in marketing and public relations for over 12 years.

He said: "We aim to recruit some 50 staff with expertise in the care sector this year. This includes positions for registered mental nurses, registered general nurses and care assistants for a variety of posts across the region.

"I passionately believe in delivering a high quality service, which can only be achieved by providing excellent support and training to staff, and a total commitment to clients.

"That’s why it’s great to be part of a national care franchise network which shares and supports these same ideals."

The couple were attracted to setting up the business having nursed Jeremy Speakman’s father though terminal illness for two years.

Mr Speakman said: "There is such a growing need for good quality care for the elderly in particular, and this country is nowhere near keeping pace with demand.

"My aim is to make a real difference to these people’s lives and offer a rewarding career to people who would like to work in this sector."

Anyone interested in joining the agency can phone Jeremy on 01227 709 468 or visit www.abacus-care.com.