Oral Answers to Questions

Brendan O'Hara Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Matt Hancock]

I am very happy to look into that individual case and to meet my hon. Friend, or for the Minister to meet him, to see what we can do.

[Brendan O'Hara (Argyll and Bute) (SNP)]

11. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed points-based immigration system on the provision of health and social care.

[Owen Thompson (Midlothian) (SNP)]

23. What assessment he has made of the potential effect of the proposed points-based immigration system on the provision of health and social care.

[The Minister for Care (Helen Whately)]

The points-based immigration system is designed so that the UK can attract the brightest and best individuals to work here. As the hon. Member no doubt knows, jobs where there is a recognised shortage of supply, such as nurses, are on the shortage occupation list, and people filling those roles will score more than enough points to come to the UK. We are also introducing the NHS visa to make it easier for doctors, nurses and health professionals from all around the world to come to work here.

[Brendan O'Hara]

The sector is understandably worried about what a points-based system will mean for their ability to recruit the workforce they need. Soon I plan to reintroduce my private Member’s Bill, which sought an independent review of the impact of Brexit on the sector, but will also now include an independent evaluation of having such a points-based system. Given the importance of an evidence-based approach to policy making, will the Minister agree to meet me and others to see how we can all work together to ensure that the long-term needs of the health and social care sector are met based on the evidence available?

[Helen Whately]

I thank the hon. Member for his question. I am in contact with stakeholders, as a relatively new Minister in this post, reaching out as much as I can. I am mindful of concerns about vacancy levels but absolutely committed to making sure that, across health and social care, we have the workforce we need.