Care Workers Lobby Parliament

Hundreds of workers travelled to Parliament earlier this week from around the country to push for a reversal of immigration plans that would make it harder for some healthcare staff to settle in Britain.

The government proposes to triple the time – from five to 15 years –  before workers can apply for indefinite leave to remain. This will only deepen the crisis in the care sector, risking an exodus of care workers to other countries where their skills and experience are likely to be more appreciated.

Another key aim of the day is to call for an end to the control exploitative employers exert on overseas workers through the visa sponsorship system.

UNISON, which is organised the lobby, says this has led to bullying and threats of deportation by unscrupulous care companies, especially against workers who report poor workplace practices

The need for higher wages in the care sector was also highlighted. Low pay is a major factor in the sector’s ongoing recruitment crisis and the reason why employers have been actively searching overseas.

UNISON is asking the government to:

• End exploitation – replace employer sponsored visas with a sector-wide scheme in social care
• Keep the five-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain for health and social care workers – recognising their vital economic and social contribution
• Introduce a fair pay agreement – establish sectoral bargaining to improve wages and conditions
• Draw attention to the impact of raised salary thresholds across public services – including in the NHS, which is leading to swathes of frontline NHS staff being dismissed and put at risk of deportation.

Speaking on the sponsorship issue, Audrey, a member from UNISON South West (pictured ), said: “A lot of care workers and nurses are being exploited by being tied to one employer. And this has been happening for years.

“They can’t speak up, because every time they try there is a reminder that they are on sponsorship and they can be let go. They are reminded of the countries they came from and the hardships they faced to get here. And if they keep talking, they will be sent back.

“If they are given common sponsorship,” she added, “they are free to work for any other employer and they have their rights recognised. And they will not be exploited.”

Audrey also spoke of the many colleagues who are not receiving a fair wage, despite their skills and dedication. “Care is a calling, it’s not just a job. We need to be respected and acknowledged for it.”

Susana, a migrant worker from Plymouth travelled to Westminster to meet her MP, so was disappointed that he failed to attend the lobby.

Despite living in the UK for 12 years, and working for the NHS for seven, she felt uncertain whether either herself, or her son who has just finished university, will be able to remain in the UK. “I have never felt as unsettled and unsafe as I do now.”

‘MPs should listen to the concerns of care staff or risk many leaving the UK for pastures new.’

Commenting on the day’s events, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Government plans to triple the wait to apply to settle in the UK would be a major let-down for migrant care staff. Today these workers keeping the care system running are making their voices heard.

“These essential staff were told they could put down roots here. Employers begged them to come to Britain to do jobs they’d been struggling to fill.

“Plans to increase the wait before workers can apply to settle here from five to fifteen years are cruel and could worsen the crisis in care at a stroke.

“And the current system of visa sponsorship is not fit for purpose. It traps care staff in jobs and allows unscrupulous employers to take advantage,” she continued.

“MPs should listen to the concerns of care staff or risk many leaving the UK for pastures new.”