The UK government has recently announced a significant policy shift that will see the end of overseas recruitment for social care workers. This decision, led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, is part of a broader effort to reduce net migration and address issues within the social care sector.
In May 2025, Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, has revealed significant changes to immigration, which includes plans to end the recruitment of care workers from overseas.
In an era when the NHS faces significant challenges, social care workers play a crucial role in keeping vulnerable patients out of hospitals and helping them during their transition back home.
Background and Reasoning
For many years, the UK Social Care industry has heavily depended on international employees to fill the gaps. Those staff members have contributed highly in supporting the sector, especially during times of severe staff shortages.
However, the government has detected several issues with this approach, including the exploitation and mistreatment of overseas workers. Many have faced unfair working conditions, with some even learning that the jobs they were promised did not exist.
What is the New Policy?
Under this new policy, social care organisations will no longer be able to recruit staff from abroad using health and care visas. Instead, they must rely on the domestic workforce or explore alternative immigration routes, such as student or family visas.
This change is anticipated to take effect later this year, following the statement of the government's Immigration White Paper.
Effects for the Social Care Sector
The recent publication has triggered fear among social care bodies, who argue that international recruitment has been a "lifeline" for the sector. They have even expressed that the decision could lead to extreme workforce shortages and negatively impact the care of disabled, vulnerable and older people.
The sector has already seen a sharp rise in overseas recruitment in recent years, which has helped reduce vacancy levels from a record high.
According to the most recent report highlighting ‘The state of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ by Skills for Care, there were 131,000 social care vacancies in England last year, despite assistance from overseas staff – which is a 14.6% decrease compared to the same report made in 2022/23.
This report has also declared that in 2023/24 – 105,000 people from other countries have arrived in the UK to take on adult social care roles.
Government's Response and Future Plans
In response to these concerns, the government has outlined several measures to support the change. These include:
· Fair Pay Agreements: These agreements will empower workers, employers, and other sector representatives to negotiate improvements in employment terms.
· Care Workforce Pathway: This proposal aims to enhance the professionalism of the workforce while providing support to the adult social care sector.
· Independent Commission on Adult Social Care: Led by Baroness Casey, this commission will work to build compromise on the future of the sector.
Additionally, international workers who are already legally sponsored to work in the sector will be able to extend their stay, change sponsors, as well as apply to settle in the UK.
This decision to end overseas recruitment in social care marks a significant change in the UK's approach to managing its social care workforce.
While it aims to address issues of exploitation and reduce net migration, it also presents challenges that will need careful management to ensure the sector can continue to provide high-quality care. The government's commitment to supporting the domestic workforce and improving employment conditions will be crucial in navigating this transition.
Many care workers describe their profession as incredibly rewarding. However, the critical question right now is what changes are necessary to motivate more individuals within the UK to pursue this essential role and help our vital sector?
If you would like to find out more information regarding this new measure, take a look at the resources below:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/overseas-recruitment-for-care-workers-to-end