Fury as social care staff are denied visas

SOCIAL care workers have slammed the decision to exclude the sector from the newly announced post-Brexit health and care visa.

Ministers unveiled details of how the UK points-based visa system will operate when it comes into effect in January, but said social care workers would not be included.

Charities and community groups also fear the new immigration system – designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants – will exclude low-paid NHS cleaners, porters and support staff.

Royal College of Nursing chief executive Dame Donna Kinnair said: “Once again, we are disappointed to see the Government’s plans for the UK’s future immigration system falling short of what is required to meet the workforce needs of the health and social care sectors, now and in the future.

Skills

“The Government is ignoring our concern that we need an appropriate immigration route for social care workers.

“Arbitrary salary thresholds will prevent key workers from working in the UK, which will directly impact patient care.”

Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum, added: “It is not right that the Government has brought forward a points-based system that does not recognise the skills of those workers, and indeed the huge commitment and contribution of staff from around the world who are today involved in the delivery of care to millions.”

Her sentiments were shared by Mark Adams, chief executive of Community Integrated Care, who reported a current shortage of 122,000 workers in social care sector.

However Home Office minister Kevin Foster said businesses must invest in British nationals to fill gaps rather than relying on migrant labour.

He said: “Our priority is that these jobs should be valued, rewarded and trained for.”