Following the Labour Party’s landslide victory in last week’s general election, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has outlined significant changes to the UK’s immigration policies. With Yvette Cooper appointed as Home Secretary, the new government is poised to reform the immigration system, focusing on reducing net migration and reliance on overseas workers.
Key policies include reforming the points-based immigration system to lower legal migration and a concerted effort to boost domestic skills through enhanced training and apprenticeships. The Labour government also plans to introduce measures to prevent workplace exploitation, including bans on overseas hiring for employers who violate employment laws.
For the adult social care sector, these changes could mean stricter controls on hiring migrant workers. The government aims to upskill domestic workers and improve their working conditions, which may lead to delays in recruiting from overseas if new rules require proof of efforts to hire UK workers first. Additionally, workforce plans and fair pay agreements are expected, with sanctions for non-compliance.
The Labour government also emphasizes increased compliance, with harsher penalties for employers who fail to uphold fair employment practices and greater authority for the Home Office to enforce these rules.
SESCA will continue to monitor and provide updates on specific immigration policy changes impacting the adult social care sector.