Migration Advisory Committee report exposes government’s muddled immigration plan

Responding to the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the shortage occupation list released today (Tuesday), UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The report exposes the depth of the crisis facing the care sector and the lack of a coherent government plan to deal with low pay and chronic staff shortages.

“The decision to make it more difficult for overseas care workers to fill the glut of vacancies is creating an unnecessary recruitment timebomb.

“Including senior care staff on the shortage occupation list is welcome, but will make little difference to the councils and care companies that can’t fill vacancies.

“Social care is undervalued, badly paid and buckling under the effect of years of political indifference and under-investment.

“The sector needs to be properly funded and wages increased. Any delay in doing so only adds to the pressure on staff still reeling from the first Covid wave while preparing to tackle a second.”

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 sector