House of Commons · Westminster Hall
22 January 2025 · 11 other contributors · 8,570 words
Opened by Neil Duncan-Jordan Lab Poole
Responding minister: Seema Malhotra
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Neil Duncan-Jordan raised concerns about certificate of common sponsorship in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should review immigration policies that increase vulnerability to exploitation, moving towards a sector-wide sponsorship scheme run by an independent body focused on health and social care.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Migrant social care workers in the UK are under-protected by employment rights and victimised by immigration rules. Unscrupulous employers have ultimate power over these workers' ability to live and work in the UK, leading to high levels of exploitation and fear.
Details cases of abuse and threats faced by care workers, emphasizing the need to address the power imbalance between employers and employees.
Supports urgent structural reform of the social care system to create a national care service that resolves workforce insecurity.
Joined the debate, discussing Unison’s lobby last year where they met migrant health and social care workers on tier 2 visas who faced appalling employment practices. Urged for a certificate of common sponsorship to empower these workers.
Supported the proposal, citing examples from his constituency where seasonal workers are vital for industries like agrifood. Advocated for simplifying visa processes to reduce bureaucratic burdens and facilitate easier employer transitions for migrant healthcare workers.
Expressed concerns about the economic self-defeating nature of underpaying health and social care workers, highlighting exploitation risks and fiscal impacts, while questioning the Minister on proposed reforms.
The Liberal Democrats seek a fairer visa system that supports the country while treating everyone with dignity and respect. They propose establishing a single enforcement body to combat modern slavery and worker exploitation, reversing the ban on bringing dependants for health and care workers visas.
Discusses the exploitation of both care workers and those receiving care, highlighting significant discrepancies between payment rates offered by councils and legally compliant wages.
Welcomed the Minister's understanding of exploitation and willingness to address it through measures, but pointed out that only 5% of people losing their sponsorship can find another role within a 60-day period.
Asked Lisa Smart about the Liberal Democrats' policy regarding dependants on health and social care visas.
Welcomed the debate, highlighting serious concerns about current visa rules that tie migrant workers to a single employer. Proposed introduction of a certificate of common sponsorship to empower workers and raise standards in industries dependent on migrant labour.
Discussed the issues faced by health and care workers, particularly in lower-paying sectors like adult social care.
Government Response
Seema MalhotraThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department
Acknowledged the need to manage net migration better than previous chaos, recognised contributions of international care workers but raised concerns about their treatment. Highlighted rule changes including stopping dependants and expressed willingness to meet Unison for discussions on wider issues. Explores steps taken to address exploitation of international recruits, including measures against rogue employers and support for displaced workers. Emphasises the importance of genuine vacancy test application in ensuring care work availability. Confirmed the implementation of policy changes to prevent employers from passing on costs related to sponsor licences and certificates, aiming to ban flouting employment laws in immigration engagement. Emphasised future integration of Employment Rights Bill protections into sponsorship system.