The UK’s social care sector, essential yet beleaguered by chronic staff shortages, has increasingly turned to foreign workers to fill the gaps. However, many of these workers have faced financial exploitation, paying exorbitant sums to secure jobs that often fail to materialise.
The UK’s social care sector has long struggled with recruitment. The demanding nature of care work—characterised by long hours, strenuous tasks, and comparatively low wages—has led to high vacancy and turnover rates. Post-Brexit immigration controls and the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated these issues, leaving the sector more desperate than ever. In 2022-23, the charity Skills for Care reported 160,000 vacancies, with a projection of an additional 480,000 jobs by 2035.
In response to this crisis, the UK government added care work to the shortage occupation list. This move was designed to streamline the process for employers to bring in foreign workers, with a lower salary threshold compared to other visa routes. Companies can register with the Home Office and issue sponsorship certificates to qualified health professionals. To be eligible, companies must be regulated by the Care Quality Commission and have a clean record regarding licence revocations over the past 12 months.
While the intention behind the relaxed visa rules was to address staff shortages, the system has created a fertile ground for exploitation. Certificates of sponsorship, typically used in sectors like technology and finance, have been exploited in the care sector, where workers are vulnerable to abuse. The Home Office’s limited resources for monitoring employers exacerbate the problem. A report by David Neal, former chief inspector of borders, highlighted that there is only one compliance officer for every 1,600 employers licensed to sponsor migrant workers.
Interviews with dozens of care workers reveal a disturbing pattern. Many paid thousands of pounds to immigration agents to secure visas and jobs in the UK, only to find that the promised work was non-existent. These workers, often highly skilled and professional, were used as underpaid labourers, performing menial tasks far below their qualifications. The financial strain and the threat to their immigration status make it difficult for them to seek redress.
Care worker visas allow holders to work an additional 20 hours per week for another employer, but this is intended to supplement their main employment, not replace it. Leaving their sponsor can jeopardize their visa status, giving them only 60 days to find a new sponsor—a challenge that many find insurmountable.
As the government grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to strike a balance between meeting staffing needs and protecting the rights of vulnerable workers. Ensuring rigorous oversight and support for these workers is essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the UK’s social care system.#
Get in touch: For a comprehensive understanding of your options or queries on UK immigration matters, contact GigaLegal Solicitors at 02074067654 or click here to book a no-obligation consultation with an immigration expert.
Source: The Guardian