The Care Workers’ Charity responds to latest figures from the Home Office revealing an 81% drop in visa applications following the ban on overseas social care workers bringing family dependents
Karolina Gerlich, CEO of The Care Workers’ Charity, says: “This decline in visa applications is yet another blow to a sector that has been pushed to the brink of collapse. The changes to the Immigration Rules, which prevent care workers from bringing their dependents to the UK, have made the UK a far less attractive destination for those who were once eager to contribute to our care system.
The care sector’s reliance on international recruitment has grown significantly since Brexit, with many EU workers no longer able to work in the UK as flexibly as before. The recent restrictions have only worsened this situation, deterring potential care workers from applying to work in the UK and driving them to consider alternative destinations like Canada, Australia, and Germany.
Support networks are vital for promoting well-being within the social care sector. It is unfair to expect care workers to leave their families behind while caring for British families. This policy, which does not apply to most NHS workers, is demoralising and could further diminish the morale of care workers, who already face significant emotional and physical challenges in their roles. Care workers are not mere tools but individuals deserving of respect and support. Their contributions are invaluable, and their sacrifices immense.
We are also concerned about the effect these shortages will have on the quality of care provided. Many care workers are already stretched to their limits, working unsustainable hours to cover workforce gaps. This strain not only takes a toll on their mental and physical health but also impacts the quality of care they can offer. As a result, those relying on social care are facing reduced service quality, shorter appointment times, and delays in hospital discharges, which adds further pressure on the NHS and leaves many without the essential care they need at home.
We call on the UK Government to urgently reconsider these Immigration Rules and take immediate action to address the critical staffing shortages in the adult social care sector. The sustainability of the industry and the well-being of both care workers and people drawing on social care depend on it. It’s time to extend the same level of care and consideration to care workers that they offer to others. Only then can we uphold the principles of dignity and equity in social care and truly bridge the gap in tackling workforce challenges.”