Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of funding intensive English language courses for Ukrainian refugees who are (a) healthcare professionals or (b) qualified to fill positions on the Shortage Occupation List.

No specific assessment has been made. We are working with NHS England, the Department for Work and Pensions and the Refugee Employment Network to identify and support healthcare professionals who wish to practise in the United Kingdom.

Those aged 19 years old and over who have entered the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Homes for Ukraine Scheme have free access English for speakers of other languages courses.