Hundreds of thousands of care workers could receive exemptions from planned changes to the UK’s immigration system, according to proposals being evaluated by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as he seeks to alleviate challenges within the social care sector.
Burnham plans to deliver a speech next week outlining his commitment to establishing a National Care Service before the next general election, building on initiatives launched by his predecessor. In a personal address, he will discuss his family’s experience with the care system, referencing his father Roy who has Alzheimer’s disease. The speech will also announce that Louise Casey’s review into the sector is being accelerated, with the original deadline of 2028 moved up.
The potential exemptions relate to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s proposals to increase the time required for migrant workers to obtain settled status, formally known as indefinite leave to remain. The measure is unlikely to be announced in next week’s speech but could be introduced later in the year following public consultation responses. Officials are considering exempting care workers already in the country from the changes while applying them to new arrivals.
The Home Office has issued approximately 200,000 health and care worker visas over the preceding five years, with additional numbers representing dependants of visa holders. Social care providers have expressed concern about the proposed immigration changes, warning they could worsen existing staffing shortages. The sector faces financial constraints and has struggled to maintain contracted service levels due to low payment rates from local authorities.
Burnham also indicated consideration of short-term relief measures, potentially including increased funding for the £9bn Better Care Fund. One proposal involves offering patients free short-term care following hospital discharge to reduce readmissions. Casey’s upcoming public consultation will address fundamental questions about eligibility criteria, family responsibilities for care provision, and individual cost-sharing arrangements for social care services.
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