Commenting on the latest Home Office asylum and visa figures published today (Thursday), UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said:
“Workers from overseas are propping up the UK’s social care sector. They play a vital role in delivering care to elderly and disabled people who’d otherwise struggle to get the help they need. The care sector is desperately short of staff.
“People who come to the UK to fill skilled jobs in care homes and in the community should be treated with respect. But many are abused and exploited by rogue firms who hold power over their right to work and stay here.
“Threats against care staff stop them from speaking out against ill-treatment, such as being paid below the legal minimum wage as well as verbal and physical abuse.
“Visa restrictions are behind the fall in numbers, not a lack of vacancies. Reforms are needed urgently so the government has control over visa sponsorship. This would stop unscrupulous employers from threatening staff with dismissal or deportation.
“A fair pay agreement, a national care service and more funding are also vital to drive up standards and encourage staff to stay and to attract new recruits.”
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:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Dan Ashley M: 07789 518992 E: d.ashley@unison.co.uk
