The UK Government’s latest immigration plans have been described as ‘immensely disappointing’ by a leading organisation representing Scotland’s care sector.

Home Secretary Priti Patel last night revealed details of the plans that mean care workers will not qualify for the so-called ‘health and care visa’ under the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

All the occupations on the qualifying list are for healthcare staff and social workers – including a catch-all category for all ‘health professionals’ not already included.

“Despite all our attempts to be heard at the start of the year, the proposals have failed to listen to the distinctive needs of Scotland with its ageing population and the demands of the care sector,” Scottish Care chief executive Dr Donald Macaskill said in response to the announcement.

“This is effectively a slap in the face of the care sector by the same politicians who stood to clap. They have introduced a system which will cause untold damage to the sector and plan to start it in the middle of winter.

“This is crazy policy-driven politics rather than the practical help the sector needs.”

Late last week a coalition of major NHS, care and workers’ organisations from across the UK voiced ‘profound concerns’ about plans for a points-based immigration system they said put the UK on course to an ‘alarming destination’ for social care.

Individuals from outside the UK with a job offer from the NHS will be able to have their visa applications fast tracked, but people applying to work in social care will not.

The vast majority of care staff will also fall below minimum income requirements.

Dr Macaskill added: “Given the vast majority of care is bought by the public purse, it is nonsensical for the same government, which has underfunded care for a decade to them, to turn and say to the sector pay more when it has cut so much.

“It is equally offensive to assume anyone can simply walk into the job of care. It is a highly skilled role needing compassion, dedication and professionalism and does not suit everyone.

“These proposals shut the door on those wanting to come and make Scotland their home.”

A UK Government spokesperson said: “[Westminster’s] Migration Advisory Committee is clear that immigration is not the answer to the challenges in the social care sector.

“We want employers to focus on investing in our domestic work force, which is why a national recruitment campaign was recently launched.

“However, from January 2021 senior care workers who meet the criteria will be able to come to the UK through the Skilled Workers route in the new points-based immigration system.

“Additionally, the EU Settlement Scheme means that all EU and EAA citizens, and their family members, currently working in social care can stay in the UK and we are encouraging them to do so.”

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