Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions she is having with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on staff shortages in the social care sector; and what steps she is taking to ease visa requirements for people applying to work in the social care sector.

Home Office Ministers and officials discuss a broad range of issues with a variety of stakeholders including other Government departments.

Senior care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in April 2021, joining other key health and care occupations such as nurses, occupational therapists and social workers. The SOL enables skilled workers to come to the UK for a lower salary and provides for cheaper visa fees.

The introduction of the Health and Care visa in August 2020 made it quicker and cheaper for regulated health and care professionals – including Senior Care Workers - and their dependents to secure their visa.

In July, I commissioned the MAC to review the impact of ending free movement on the social care sector. The MAC have issued a call for evidence with stakeholders and we look forward to receiving their report in April 2022.