The social care sector is currently facing significant challenges following the UK Government’s announcement of new visa restrictions. These changes are expected to have a direct and profound impact on the home care sector.
What’s changing?
The care worker visa route for overseas recruitment is set to close, effectively ending the opportunity for care providers to hire new care workers from abroad. Companies are now mandated to prioritise the employment of British citizens or to recruit from the existing pool of foreign care workers already residing in the UK, particularly those whose previous sponsorships have been cancelled. The government anticipates a reduction of up to 50,000 care workers entering the UK over the next year due to these measures.
Severe recruitment challenges: Shift to domestic workforce and existing migrant workers
The home care sector, which undoubtedly depends on international recruitment to address workforce shortages, is poised to encounter even greater staffing challenges.
CEO of the Homecare Association, Dr Jane Townson OBE, commented:
‘International recruitment is a lifeline for the homecare sector, enabling us to provide vital support to older and disabled people in their own homes. Care providers are already struggling to recruit within the UK. We are deeply concerned the Government has not properly considered what will happen to the millions of people who depend on care at home to live safely and independently.’
Care England described the move:
‘This is a crushing blow to an already fragile sector’.
‘We’re told to wait for the Employment Rights Bill and a Fair Pay Agreement, but those reforms are years away and come with no significant funding attached. In the meantime, we’ve lost 70,000 domestic workers over the last two years, vacancies still remain sky-high and many providers are on the brink of collapse.’
Additional regulatory and practical barriers
The new rules come on top of recent changes, such as the ban on care workers bringing dependants and the requirement for care sponsors to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
These measures have already led to a sharp decline in care worker visa applications, from 14,300 in August 2023 to 1,700 by April 2024. The government has also announced plans for a fair pay agreement to make care jobs more attractive to UK workers, but sector leaders argue this does not address the immediate recruitment crisis.
Potential consequences for care recipients
The restriction on international recruitment could significantly diminish the capacity of home care services, resulting in longer waiting times and unmet needs for vulnerable groups, especially older adults and individuals with disabilities who depend on home care. Providers caution that this policy may exacerbate an already difficult situation, as the domestic workforce is inadequate to satisfy the current demand.
Uncertain long-term outcomes
While the government aims to boost domestic training and recruitment there is bound to be scepticism within the sector as to whether these measures can quickly or adequately fill the workforce gap created by the end of overseas recruitment. The full impact will depend on the effectiveness of new pay agreements, training initiatives and the ability of the domestic workforce to meet rising care needs.
CareLineLive’s recruitment white paper: Supporting care providers
CarelineLive has collaborated with numerous home care providers to research and develop a white paper focused on best practices in recruitment and retention. Many of our customers have implemented innovative strategies that have led to significant improvements in both areas.
This white paper offers practical guidance to support and inspire home care providers facing recruitment and retention challenges. With workforce pressures at an all-time high, there has never been a more crucial time to explore effective strategies. By working together, we can make meaningful progress in this critical area. You can access the white paper here.
