UK immigration white paper: Impact on social care workforce
Social care providers will no longer be able to recruit overseas workers, the UK government has announced.
In its immigration white paper, titled Restoring Control over the Immigration System, Whitehall says it will close social care visas to new applications from abroad.
For a transition period until 2028, while the workforce strategy is being developed and rolled out, it will permit visa extensions and in-country switching for those already here. This will be kept under review.
Care providers must develop their own workforce strategy
Laura Chinyere-Ezeh, HR consultant in health and social care at UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson, said: “The government’s intention to reduce the number of overseas workers in social care is another major headache for a sector already struggling to recruit and retain people at a time when demand for care is growing, with projections from Skills for Care’s Workforce Strategy showing another 540,000 new workers are needed by 2040.
“Social care faces intense competition from other sectors that are able to offer better pay and conditions such as flexible working, more sociable shift patterns and more structured career progression opportunities.
“It’s therefore never been more important for providers to create their own workforce strategies that remain robust amid external headwinds to develop a sustainable pipeline of talent.
“This will require them to consider how best to train future registered managers by strengthening internal development programmes, attract young people to the profession by collaborating with educational institutions to promote the sector as a great place to work, and transform workplace culture by enhancing flexible working options and childcare support.
“Social care stands at a critical juncture and, with little government support on the horizon or much headroom to raise salaries, providers must be ready to innovate their people strategies – thereby future-proofing their provision to meet an increasing demand for their services.”
Contact
Kara Shadbolt
Senior PR & Communication Manager
kara.shadbolt@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 1111
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