Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of rogue operators who do not observe visa employment rules in the social care sector.

We have seen unacceptable increases in unethical practices and exploitation of international recruits in the adult social care sector. The Code of Practice for International Recruitment sets out high ethical standards and best practice for recruiters and employers to follow to ensure people coming from overseas are treated fairly and provided with the appropriate support.

The Department works closely with regulators, local authorities, other departments, and enforcement bodies to share concerns and intelligence about illegal or unethical practices in adult social care. The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority investigates reports of worker exploitation and illegal activity, such as human trafficking, modern slavery, forced labour, and other labour market offences. The Government is also delivering the legislation for a new flagship Fair Work Agency, ensuring fair and strong employment rights for all.

The Home Office has also begun delivery of new measures meaning that any business found guilty of serious employment law breaches, such as failing to comply with National Minimum Wage, will have action taken against them – up to and including having their visa sponsorship licences refused or revoked. The changes will also prohibit sponsors of Skilled Workers from the unethical practice of charging or recovering costs from workers for the cost of sponsoring them.

In addition, the Department of Health and Social Care has provided £16 million to regional partnerships this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices. This includes support for international recruits to understand their rights and establishing operational processes with regional partnerships to support individuals to switch employers and remain working in the care sector when they have been impacted by their sponsor’s licence being revoked.