The care sector across the UK is facing a serious challenge around staff recruitment and retention. A combination of Brexit and Covid-19 have left many businesses facing unprecedented levels of staff shortages.
The UK Government has attempted to address this acute staffing problem by amending the Immigration Rules to allow care sector employers to sponsor care workers and home carers. Previously, these roles had been ineligible for sponsorship on the grounds that they did not meet the “skills” threshold. In addition, these roles have been placed on the Health and Care Worker visa route, which is a big benefit for employers as it means international staff doing these roles, benefit from significantly reduced visa fees.
Our immigration webinar and Q&A with immigration specialist, Gurjit Pall, shared his insight on how international recruitment could offer a solution to the staff shortages in the care sector and the benefits of applying for a sponsor licence, which is a licence that employers require to obtain in order to start recruiting international staff.
Gurjit was joined by Employment Law expert, Chris Phillips, who has extensive experience in advising employers in the care sector and professional regulatory law (SSSC), and Commercial Property law expert, Richard Hart, who has over 25 years’ experience acting for clients in the healthcare sector.
This webinar covered:
- The immigration visa routes applicable for the main roles covered in the care sector;
- An overview of the sponsor license and the importance of compliance and maintenance of sponsor licenses by ensuring good HR practices are in place; and
- Some thoughts on current property issues affecting operators and other stakeholders in the care sector
If you have questions or concerns about Sponsor Licenses please contact Gurjit on 03330 430350.
Broadcast: 24 May 2023. The content in this webinar, guidance and advice provided by the hosts, is correct at the time of broadcast. If you are watching a recording after the broadcast date please contact us for the most up to date guidance and advice on this topic.
