I’ve worked in the health and social care recruitment space for many years. So, I’ve witnessed first-hand how international talent has been the backbone of our care system for decades.
From domiciliary carers to support workers in care homes, so many of the individuals providing compassionate, essential services are those who came to the UK with hope, determination, and a strong work ethic.
That’s why the recent government proposals to reduce so-called “low-skilled” worker visas are deeply concerning.
Let me be frank, categorising health and care support workers as “low-skilled” does an absolute disservice to the work they do.
The term fails to capture the emotional intelligence, resilience, cultural competence, and interpersonal skills required to care for some of society’s most vulnerable. These roles are not only critical, but they are also specialised and becoming more so as our population ages and demand for care increases. Support workers, healthcare assistants, and care workers perform physically and emotionally demanding roles – day in, day out.
This policy shift, aimed at tightening immigration controls, may play well politically in the short term. But from an operational standpoint, it risks destabilising the very foundation of the social care sector. Employers are already grappling with high vacancy rates, burnout, and limited domestic uptake for roles often seen as low-paid and undervalued. Removing a key pipeline of overseas workers without offering a realistic alternative will only worsen these pressures.
What’s needed instead is a more nuanced approach, one that recognises the complexities of our labour market and the true value of the people who fill these roles. We should be investing in the domestic workforce, yes - but not at the cost of cutting off vital international supply. A hybrid solution is the only sustainable path forward.
Investing in training and retaining domestic talent is essential, but it must happen alongside a pragmatic and compassionate immigration system that recognises the value international workers bring - not just in care, but across the broader UK economy.
As an industry, we must continue to advocate for evidence-based policy.
I urge policymakers to engage with health and social care leaders, listen to the lived experience of our sector, and design immigration policies that reflect both economic reality and moral responsibility.
The care sector doesn’t just need more workers - it needs recognition, reform, and respect.
This isn’t just about recruitment. It’s about the quality of care our loved ones receive. And it’s about whether we value care work as the skilled, vital profession it is.
Let’s not sacrifice the long-term health of our sector for the sake of short-term politics.
If you are looking for a talented health and care professional, or seeking a new opportunity yourself, get in touch with a specialist consultant today.
