The National Audit Office wrote to the Homecare Association in August 2024 to ask for feedback to support their examination of the points-based immigration system, specifically the Skilled Worker route. As the leading body for homecare providers in the UK, we can offer valuable insights on the effects of the skilled worker visa system in our sector.
In our response, we highlighted both the benefits and challenges of the current system in addressing skill shortages in the UK's homecare sector. While international recruitment has helped reduce vacancy rates, significant issues remain.
Key challenges include:
- Compliance difficulties because the visa system doesn't account for the realities of the homecare sector.
- Normal methods of commissioning and purchase of homecare make it hard to meet requirements for full-time contracts; minimum salary thresholds; and evidence of genuine vacancies.
- Restrictions on dependants for care workers.
- Complex and costly application processes.
- Potential exploitation of international workers.
- Inadequate enforcement of regulations.
The report calls for improvements, including:
- Developing a data-driven approach to managing supply and demand of sponsored care workers.
- Streamlining the application process.
- Increasing flexibility in the sponsorship system.
- Enhancing inspection and enforcement capacities.
- Improving homecare commissioning practices.
We commented that experiences to date highlight the importance of creating a better migration system for the UK's homecare sector. It should address workforce shortages, protect workers, and maintain high standards of care.
