On 17 December, hundreds of overseas care workers and NHS staff travelled to Westminster to lobby MPs over proposed changes to immigration rules that campaigners warn could deepen the workforce crisis in health and social care.
The lobby, organised by UNISON, focused on opposition to government proposals to extend the qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain from five to 15 years. UNISON is calling for the five-year settlement route for health and social care workers to be retained, alongside reforms to the current employer-sponsored visa system, which it says leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation.
UNISON is also urging government to introduce fair pay agreements through sector-wide bargaining, improve pay and conditions across social care, and address the impact of increased salary thresholds for overseas staff.
SESCA are in discussion with UNISON to explore how we can work together to support ethical recruitment, fair employment practices and practical solutions for both providers and overseas care workers.