PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Care Workers: Migrant Workers (10 February 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the effect of the delay in accepting the Migration Advisory Council recommendation to include senior care workers in the Shortage Occupancy List.

Asked by:
James Wild (Conservative)

My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has regular discussions with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on a range of matters, including immigration. The Government continues to consider the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations on the Shortage Occupations List carefully in light of recent changes to the immigration system and the economic impact of COVID-19.

It should be noted that senior care workers do not need to be on the Shortage Occupations List to qualify for the Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Route, so long as sponsors are offering a salary of at least £25,600, or £20,480 if they qualify as a new entrant.

Answered by:
Helen Whately (Conservative)
24 February 2021