Social care has long been underfunded but now, with additional pressure from Brexit, Covid and an ageing population, the sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Recent statistics show that over 11% of vacancies remain unfilled. The end of free movement for European nationals in December 2020 has exacerbated this recruitment crisis.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), which is an independent public body that advises the government on migration issues, has recently urged the government to look again at the immigration rules. They have suggested changes to enable overseas social care workers to come and work in the UK more easily.  

One of the main issues is that the majority of care roles involving routine care such as dressing and washing do not qualify for sponsorship. Even where roles do qualify for sponsorship, such as a care home manager, the minimum salary threshold (usually £20,480 per year) and the visa costs can often prove prohibitive. It remains to see whether the government will act on the advice and offer a helping hand to the sector.