Government plan to tackle exploitation of overseas care workers, but more action needed
Nursing unions have expressed their support for government plans aimed at addressing the exploitation and abuse of overseas care workers. However, they are urging a comprehensive investigation into the extent of the problem and the provision of stronger support for those affected.
Recently, the government announced stricter penalties for employers who violate visa regulations or commit significant breaches of employment law. These penalties include longer bans on hiring overseas workers, a move welcomed by union leaders. RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said in a recent press release:
“Rogue employers who deny migrant care workers their basic employment rights should face tougher sanctions, and today’s measures are a step in the right direction.”
“However, it’s clear the government needs to go further. Reclaiming costs for sponsorship is already against current guidance and so we need to know what these stronger controls look like in reality. Ministers must also look at the other ways rogue employers use repayment clauses to demand eye-watering, arbitrary sums of money, and how threats to immigration status are regularly used to coerce.”
Although the proposed measures apply to all employment sectors, they are a direct response to widespread issues identified within social care. Earlier this year, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) highlighted a sharp rise in cases of exploitation among workers in the care sector. The organisation has called for urgent action to protect these workers from further mistreatment.
As part of the new Employment Rights Bill, the government will double the duration of sanctions for serious breaches of employment law, extending the period from one year to two years. Officials have also pledged to intervene proactively, rather than waiting for employers to commit severe legal violations before taking action. This approach signals a more robust stance against those who exploit vulnerable workers.