Care workers in England will now have greater job security as care providers are required to prioritize hiring those already in the UK before seeking workers from abroad. This change, set to take effect on April 9, 2025, aims to support international care workers already residing in England while reducing reliance on overseas recruitment. Announced on March 12, 2025, by the Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care, the policy ensures that skilled workers who have come to the UK to contribute to the care sector are given the opportunity to secure stable employment.
The shift in hiring practices is designed to provide stability for care workers facing job uncertainties or visa issues. It acknowledges their experience and dedication while strengthening the domestic workforce. Employers are now required to explore local recruitment before looking for candidates from overseas, ensuring that care workers in England have access to new sponsorship opportunities.
Stronger regulations are being introduced to address exploitation within the sector, with stricter penalties for non-compliant employers. Fair pay remains a key focus, with the minimum hourly wage for care workers on the Skilled Worker visa increasing to £12.82. Additionally, tighter rules on Short-Term Student visas aim to prevent system abuse while ensuring that international students in the UK are genuinely pursuing their studies.
Government officials have emphasized the importance of international care workers and their contributions. The new recruitment approach is intended to help them secure employment more easily while also supporting the overall stability of the social care sector. With these changes, care workers in England are encouraged to update their CVs, connect with potential employers, stay informed on policy developments, and prepare for the upcoming priority recruitment process.
