New points-based immigration system looks set to make our social care crisis even worse Health Foundation response to government's new immigration system

Responding to the government's announcement regarding a new points-based immigration system, Ben Gershlick, Senior Economist at the Health Foundation said: 

'The government's new immigration system looks set to make our social care crisis even worse. Without any specific migration route for social care workers, these proposals will make it almost impossible for people from overseas to come and work in most jobs in this sector.
 
'Migrants are a crucial part of the social care workforce. Around 17% of people working in adult social care in England are non-British nationals. In London it is more like 40%. With workforce vacancies currently at around 122,000, the social care system depends on staff from overseas.
 
'People working in social care should be valued for the major contribution they make to our society. This should involve investing in their skills and encouraging people to stay in the sector. While we have an upcoming workforce strategy for the NHS, any plans to address the workforce crisis facing social care are worryingly absent.
 
'Social care needs investment and reform to address the underlying causes of staff shortages. As it stands, the government's new immigration policy will only make existing problems worse.'

Media contact

Creina Lilburne
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