New Rules for Care Workers in England: What You Need to Know
If you’re a care worker in England, there’s some exciting news for you! Starting April 9, 2025, care providers in England will be required to prioritize recruiting care workers who are already in the UK before hiring talent from overseas.
This major policy shift, announced on March 12, 2025, aims to provide better job security and opportunities for care workers already navigating the sponsorship system in England.
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Why This Matters
This new rule is part of the government’s broader effort to reduce reliance on overseas labor while ensuring that skilled care workers in England have access to stable employment. Here’s why this is a big deal:
- Job Security: Care workers already in the UK will have priority in obtaining new sponsorship, reducing the risk of job loss or visa issues.
- Career Growth: Your experience and commitment to the UK care sector will be recognized and rewarded.
- Sustainable Workforce: The policy aims to build a more reliable and sustainable domestic care workforce.
Key Highlights of the New Policy
- Priority Recruitment:
- Care providers must first attempt to hire care workers already in England before recruiting from abroad.
- This ensures that international care workers already in the UK have better access to job opportunities.
- Crackdown on Exploitation:
- Stricter regulations and penalties for unethical employers who exploit workers.
- Fair Pay:
- The minimum hourly wage for care workers on the Skilled Worker visa will increase to £12.82, ensuring fairer compensation.
- Stronger Visa Rules:
- Tighter regulations on Short-Term Student visas to prevent abuse and ensure genuine study intentions.
What the Ministers Say
- Seema Malhotra MP (Minister for Social Care):
- “Those who have come to the UK to support our adult care sector should have the opportunity to do so, free from abuse and exploitation. We are now going further, requiring employers in England to prioritize recruiting international care workers who are already here and seeking new sponsorship before recruiting from overseas.”
- Stephen Kinnock MP (Minister for Immigration):
- “International care workers play a vital role in our social care workforce. We value their contribution and work supporting vulnerable people across the country every day. Prioritizing care workers who are already in the UK will get people back to work, reducing our reliance on international recruitment, and ensuring our social care sector has the care professionals it needs.”
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What Should You Do?
- Update Your CV:
- Highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications to stand out to potential employers.
- Start Networking:
- Connect with care providers, recruitment agencies, and professional networks to explore job opportunities.
- Stay Informed:
- Keep up-to-date with the latest policy changes and job openings in the care sector.
- Prepare for April 9, 2025:
- Be ready to take advantage of the new recruitment priority rules.
Conclusion
This policy change is a significant step toward valuing the contributions of international care workers already in England. By prioritizing your employment, the government is acknowledging your hard work and dedication to the UK care sector. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the implementation of these new rules!
Official Announcement
For more details, visit the official government announcement:
New Rules to Prioritise Recruiting Care Workers in England