On 24th December 2021, the Government announced that social care workers would become eligible for the Health and Care visa for a 12 month period. The expansion of the scheme came about due to staff shortages within the social care sector and the pressures this put on the existing workforce.

The demand for adult social care has increased and is likely to continue to do so due to the UK’s ageing population. Also, following the pandemic the recruitment and retention of workers in the sector has become even more problematic.

Because of these workforce pressures, the committee’s recommendation to the Government stated: “We therefore recommend that the Government make Care Workers and Home Carers immediately eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa and place the occupation on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). The SOL contains those occupations which are thought to be in ‘shortage’, where employers struggle to secure adequate numbers of workers with the required skills for vacancies. The Government’s press release on 24th December 2021 provides initial insight into their immigration plans. Firstly, care staff are to be added to the Shortage Occupation List. They state that this will be a ‘temporary’ measure coming into effect in early 2022 and will be in place for a minimum of 12 months. It is therefore unclear whether this could be a long-term option for care providers to explore, given the use of the language ‘temporary measure,’ or perhaps a short-term measure to alleviate current difficulties.”

What does this mean for social care providers?
Following the Governments press release on the immigration law updates, they stated that the temporary expansion of the health and care visa scheme will make it ‘quicker, cheaper and easier’ for social care employers to recruit eligible workers to fill vital gaps in the workforce.

Have you heard about The Care England 2022 Conference and Exhibition that is taking place on Wednesday 23rd March 2022, and if so, are you attending?

The Care England 2022 Conference is all about ‘Facing the Future’ and will focus on action taking place in key areas of the sector to improve the quality of social care. An expert line up of speakers includes; Dr Nikki Kanani the Medical Director of Primary Care for the NHS, Sam Monaghan the Chief Executive of MHA and The Right Honourable Ed Balls the former Secretary of State.

The Conference will be of interest to all residential, supported living and domiciliary care providers, especially owners, directors and senior managers who support those with dementia, learning disabilities and long term conditions. Care providers who are not Care England members are all welcome to attend this event!

To find out more information about the event and how to book your place, click here!