New rules to prioritise recruiting care workers in England
Update Explained
The UK government has introduced new immigration rules that require care providers in England to prioritize recruiting international care workers who are already residing in the country and seeking new sponsorship, before looking to hire from overseas. This change, which will take effect from April 9th, aims to support care workers already in the UK to continue their careers in adult social care and to reduce reliance on international recruitment. The government is also implementing stricter criteria for the Short-Term Student visa to prevent abuse of the program and ensuring that caseworkers have more authority to refuse non-genuine applications. Additionally, salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visas, which include care workers, will be updated to a minimum of £12.82 per hour to align with national pay scales for such roles.
What changed
Care providers must seek to employ care workers already in England who need new sponsorship before hiring from overseas.
Why it matters
Care providers in England will need to demonstrate an attempt to hire care workers already in the UK before recruiting internationally. Care workers already in the UK may find it easier to secure sponsorship.
Who is affected
- International care workers already in England
- Care providers in England
Key dates
Effective
Apr 9, 2023
New rules requiring care providers to prioritize recruiting care workers in England are effective from this date.
Key details
- Employers must recruit care workers within England before hiring from overseas.
- Minimum salary for Skilled Worker visas, including care workers, set at £12.82 per hour.
Important notes
The new rules are part of broader government efforts to curb exploitation and abuse within the immigration system and are included in ongoing reforms under the 'Plan for Change'.