Commenting on new figures from the Home Office that show an increase in the number of health and care visas issued, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“The government has let social care get into such a dire state that the sector can no longer function without overseas workers to fill the huge gaps in staffing.
“Instead of grappling with the real problems by funding social care properly and tackling the exploitation of migrant staff, ministers now want to make matters even worse by stopping potential carers from bringing their children here with them.
“Major reform of care is long overdue. But until care workers are paid at rates that better reflect the skilled jobs they do, the sector will struggle to recruit at the levels needed to meet growing demand. A national care service and a fair pay agreement for care staff is the only answer.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
