Care Homes in Wales at Risk of Closure Due to Immigration Rule Changes.
Care Forum Wales warns that new UK immigration regulations could lead to more closures of care homes across Wales. The organization is concerned about recent changes that make it harder for foreign workers in the care sector to bring their families with them.
In March, the UK government implemented stricter immigration rules, which now prevent most care workers from bringing their families to the UK. This policy aims to reduce overall immigration numbers.
Care Forum Wales highlights that a decrease in the number of people applying for UK visas to work in the care sector has already been observed. Official figures show an 80% drop in visa applications during the first quarter of 2024.
Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys, a care home in Pentrefoelas, Conwy County, relies heavily on international staff. The home employs carers from ten different countries to support its 30 residents. Manager Meryl Welsby explains that local recruitment has been challenging due to a lack of interest in care jobs, which often require working weekends and nights.
Welsby expressed frustration with the new immigration restrictions, stating, “It’s easy for the government to say, ‘Oh well, you can’t recruit from abroad, to bring our numbers down,’ but the thing is, where are we going to recruit from? There’s nowhere else and nothing else we can do.”
Kim Ombler, a care home owner on Anglesey and spokesperson for Care Forum Wales, echoed these concerns. She fears that the inability to hire both local and international workers could result in care home closures. “It’s going to be a big concern in the coming years,” Ombler warned.
The Labour UK government asserts that its plan to reduce immigration is aimed at addressing “historically high” levels. They emphasize that efforts to integrate immigration policies with the labor market and skills system will help grow the workforce in the UK.
The Welsh government also acknowledges the difficulties in recruiting and retaining social care staff. They have expressed concerns about the previous Conservative administration’s decision to limit dependents of care workers. However, they noted that there is insufficient data to confirm the impact of these changes and welcomed the UK government’s promise to better engage with devolved administrations.