Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, which organisations from the care sector her Department consulted while developing the proposed points-based immigration policy.

Following our departure from the European Union, Freedom of Movement is coming to an end and we are taking back control of our borders.

The Government published “The UK’s Points-Based System: Policy Statement” on 19 February. Senior care workers who meet the criteria will be able to come to the UK through the points-based system.

The Government has considered relevant views, evidence, and analysis. We are also working alongside employers across the whole of the UK to ensure the workforce has the right number of people to meet increasing demands and have recently launched a national recruitment campaign.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been clear immigration is not the solution to addressing staffing levels in the social care sector. A point the Government agrees with as the vision for this sector cannot just be based on paying the lowest wages possible. Employers need to invest in technology, innovation and their existing workforce, focusing on making jobs more attractive for UK workers, especially considering the economic impact of Covid-19 where many may need to find new employment.

We will deliver a comprehensive programme of communication and engagement in the coming months.