October 1, 2020

MAC recommends extension to Shortage Occupation List for care sector

We urge the Government to accept the recommendations of the Migration Advisory Committee to allow the already-stretched social care sector that is on the frontline tackling COVID to prepare its workforce strategy for a post-Brexit landscape.

James Sage, Employment Partner and Head of Social Care comments:

“It is welcome news that the Migration Advisory Committee has finally changed its position on the social care sector, acknowledging the essential need for care providers to have greater access to the foreign labour market.

“Adding these staff to the shortage occupation list would mean a lower salary threshold of £20,480, instead of £25,600, applies, which is needed to enable care providers to fill staff vacancies.

“To recruit from overseas after Brexit, care providers will need a sponsor licence for both EU and non-EU staff and should start taking steps now to put this in place if they don’t already have one.”

The Migration Advisory Committee reinforced the need for the Government to address fundamental issues with the wages of care staff to attract more UK workers.

James comments: “The Migration Advisory Committee has stated multiple times that a proper funding solution is required from the Government to help solve the recruitment and retention challenges faced by the sector – this should be implemented without further delay.”

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