Care providers are warning that the UK government’s decision to end the recruitment of Nigerians and other overseas care workers could lead to serious consequences for the sector.
They argue that removing access to international staff without fixing domestic staffing issues is “short-sighted” and could put care services at risk.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently announced that the UK would tighten immigration policies, including stopping the recruitment of care workers from abroad. The move is part of the country’s plans to reduce immigration and make the system more selective.
However, care providers are concerned that it will worsen the existing workforce shortages in the sector, which is already struggling with a high number of vacancies.
Staff Shortages Already a Serious Issue
Reports inform that care companies have reported that there were 131,000 vacancies in social care in England last year, despite efforts to recruit from overseas. Prof Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, warned that the sector has been “propping itself up” with international workers and that ending overseas recruitment without providing alternative solutions will be harmful.
“Taking [international recruitment] away now with no warning, no funding, and no alternative, is not just short-sighted – it’s cruel,” he said.
The decision to stop overseas recruitment comes at a time when many care companies are already under pressure due to rising costs and staff shortages. Some providers fear they will not be able to continue their services without international workers.
Government Offers New Domestic Recruitment Plans
The government has said that care providers can extend visas for existing overseas staff and will allow the recruitment of migrants already in the UK. Additionally, the government has promised a new fair pay agreement for care workers and plans to encourage more UK-based recruitment and training.
However, Dr Jane Townson of the Homecare Association criticised the government’s approach. She said that the changes are being introduced “in a vacuum” and that there is no immediate plan to provide the necessary workers or to improve conditions for existing staff.
International Recruitment Key to Sector Survival
In recent years, the UK has relied heavily on overseas workers to fill care jobs. According to reports, in 2022 and 2023, over 180,000 care workers came to the UK under a shortage occupation visa scheme. Many care providers say this influx of international workers has been essential in keeping services running.
However, the Home Office has revoked the licences of 470 care companies for abuse of the visa scheme, which has led to about 40,000 staff being displaced.
In March 2024, the government tightened visa requirements, including preventing workers from bringing their families. As a result, the number of care workers arriving in the UK has decreased significantly, with only 9,500 care workers granted visas in the year to December 2024.
Ongoing Struggles in the Care Sector
Despite ongoing recruitment campaigns and promises to improve pay and conditions for care workers, many in the sector feel the solutions are far from reaching them. The care sector continues to struggle with low wages, burnout, and high turnover rates.
While social care workers were applauded during the COVID-19 pandemic, their pay and status have not seen significant improvements.
The government has launched the Casey Commission to look at long-term reforms for adult social care, with its first update expected next year. However, many care providers and workers worry that without a reliable, sustainable workforce, the sector will continue to face deep challenges.
The Home Office has yet to publish the full immigration White Paper, but Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the changes are intended to establish a “controlled and fair” system that encourages domestic recruitment while addressing compliance issues across sectors.
