17 March 2025

 

On 12 March 2025, the UK Government (Seema Malhotra MP and Stephen Kinnock MP) announced new rules coming into effect in April, requiring care providers to prioritise recruiting care workers already in England over bringing in new workers from overseas.

Hestia welcomes measures that ensure migrant care workers can contribute to our adult care sector free from abuse and exploitation. As experts in supporting people who have experienced crisis and trauma – including survivors of modern slavery – and in helping individuals into good employment, we understand how vital fair working conditions are.

However, the government must go further to address the UK’s social care crisis. This includes tackling the chronic under-investment in, and undervaluing of, the UK social care workforce—issues that have led to a staggering 131,000 vacancies nationwide, including 22,000 in London[1].

 

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia, said:

“The UK’s social care sector is in crisis, following years of chronic under-investment. While we welcome efforts to ensure that migrant care workers can contribute to the sector free from exploitation, these new rules must not come at the cost of reducing the workforce at a time when care services are already stretched to breaking point.

“Care workers—whether from the UK or overseas—deserve fair pay, security, and respect for the vital work they do. The government must go further in addressing the root causes of the workforce shortage by investing in the sector and ensuring that care jobs offer sustainable and rewarding careers. Without urgent action, vulnerable people across the UK will continue to bear the brunt of this crisis.”