Responding to the UK government’s consultation on agency working reform, we recommended a targeted approach: closing clear regulatory gaps around umbrella companies, improving transparency and enforcement where there is evidence of worker detriment, but avoiding broad changes to ordinary agency working arrangements that are currently supporting safe, flexible and responsive care delivery.
We explained that agency work is not simply a convenience in homecare. It is essential to maintaining continuity of care, supporting hospital discharge, covering sickness and enabling people to receive end-of-life care at home. We urged caution about reforms that might make existing arrangements slower, more complex or less flexible.
We also pointed to the cumulative impact of wider government policy on homecare providers, such as Employment Rights Act 2025 implementation, guaranteed hours/zero-hours changes, sponsorship and immigration tightening, rising employment costs and the possible growth of self-employment. We asked for government to consider these reforms together, rather than in isolation, because the combined effect could be significant for social care providers.
The government expects to release more about its approach to improving regulation of the temporary labour market in due course. Depending on responses, it may consult again on streamlining specific regulations to reduce administrative burdens.
