Care workers to lobby MPs over visa rule changes

Overseas staff working in social care and the NHS are to meet MPs at Westminster today (Wednesday) to voice their concerns over plans to tighten visa rules, says UNISON.

In the first lobby of its kind, hundreds of workers will travel to Parliament 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.

Migrant care employees, who were asked to come to the UK to fill huge gaps in the workforce, will tell MPs that proposals to triple the time (from five to fifteen years) before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain amount to a breach of trust, says UNISON.

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

Sector-wide visas should replace the current system so workers would no longer be tied to one employer, adds the union.

The need for higher wages in the care sector will also be highlighted at today’s lobby. Workers will urge MPs to ensure the promised fair pay agreement in social care is implemented as soon as possible.

Care work is a skilled job But the union says low pay is a major factor in the sector’s ongoing recruitment crisis and the reason why employers have been actively searching overseas.

However, UNISON says the visa rule changes announced last month will only deepen the crisis in the care sector. The measures risk an exodus of care workers to other countries where their skills and experience are likely to be more appreciated, it adds.

Toxic language around immigration is fuelling bigotry and racism towards migrant care staff, says UNISON. At the lobby, workers will also share their experiences of exploitation and abuse at the hands of bad employers with MPs.

Examples include being significantly underpaid, frequently given excessively long shifts, and going long periods without being given work or pay. Some say they’ve had to share a bed with strangers or sleep in their cars because accommodation was not as promised or close enough to their work.

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.

“The current system of visa sponsorship is not fit for purpose. It traps care staff in jobs and allows unscrupulous employers to take advantage.

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