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 prevent the (a) exploitation of and (b) potential waste in public funding for agencies arranging adult social care workers from overseas.

We have seen unacceptable increases in unethical practices and exploitation of international recruits in the adult social care sector.  We are committed to improving the way international recruitment works in adult social care, to ensuring individuals work for legitimate providers, and to tackling the exploitation of workers.

This includes working closely with the Home Office to share concerns and intelligence. In addition, £16 million has been provided to regional partnerships this financial year which is focused on providing support to international workers affected by unethical employment practices to access appropriate services and provide pastoral support.

The Government recognises the scale of reforms needed to make the adult social care sector attractive, to support sustainable workforce growth and reduce the reliance on international recruitment. We want it to be regarded as a profession, and for the people who work in care to be respected as professionals.