Visa Reforms Needed To Keep Care Sector From Collapse, Says UNISON

Trade Union UNISON has warned that new immigration rules laid down in Parliament on Wednesday 12 March 2025 will impact the recruitment of overseas health and care staff.

As from 9 April 2025, the following changes came into force:

• Care providers in England seeking to recruit a new worker from overseas, or those switching from another visa route, will have to first provide proof that they have attempted to recruit a worker resident in England.
• The minimum salary threshold for skilled workers will increase to £12.82 per hour or £25,000 per annum, from £23,200.
• Health and education occupations, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and teachers, will also see their minimum rates increased to reflect the latest national pay scales, meaning that entry level Band 3 roles will no longer meet the salary threshold.

There is now also increased powers for caseworkers to refuse visa applications to the short-term Student Visa route where they are suspected of being non-genuine.

Commenting on the latest Home Office asylum and visa, UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said:
“Workers from overseas are propping up the UK’s social care sector. They play a vital role in delivering care to elderly and disabled people who’d otherwise struggle to get the help they need. The care sector is desperately short of staff.”

“People who come to the UK to fill skilled jobs in care homes and in the community should be treated with respect. But many are abused and exploited by rogue firms who hold power over their right to work and stay here.”

“Threats against care staff stop them from speaking out against ill-treatment, such as being paid below the legal minimum wage as well as verbal and physical abuse.”

“Visa restrictions are behind the fall in numbers, not a lack of vacancies. Reforms are needed urgently so the government has control over visa sponsorship. This would stop unscrupulous employers from threatening staff with dismissal or deportation.”

“A fair pay agreement, a national care service and more funding are also vital to drive up standards and encourage staff to stay and to attract new recruits.”