2023-12-05 14:58:09
New immigration laws will exacerbate skills shortage in adult social care – Hft
Yesterday’s announcement from the Government on changes to immigration measures will only serve to exacerbate the recruitment and retention challenges across the health and social care sector.
Responding to the announcement Devia Gurjar, Chief Charity and External Affairs Officer at learning disability charity Hft, said: “Over the past year, more than 70,000 people have been recruited into adult social care from overseas, all of whom play a vital role in addressing the high vacancy rate being seen in the sector.
“While many care providers have made use of international recruitment, it has by no means been a ‘silver bullet’ for all, due to the cost and complexity of the system. With dependants of international workers now limited under the new changes, it will be even harder for care providers to attract staff from overseas.
“This is all happening in the context of a sector which has seen a reduction of 53,000 domestic workers over the past year.
“If the Government has chosen to move away from international recruitment to alleviate high vacancy rates, it is imperative that it steps up to drive domestic recruitment by ensuring that a career in social care is respected and properly remunerated,” said Mrs Gurjar.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
