Freeman warns social care staff shortages could be worsened by new immigration changes

By The Press Association24th March 2021News ScotlandAdult Care, Government / Politics, Immigration, News Scotland, Recruitment / Retention, Social Care, Workforce

New immigration rules could worsen staff shortages in the social care sector, the Scottish Government has warned.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman (pictured) has written to the UK Government seeking an urgent meeting over the effect new rules on movement will have on health and social care services.

In her letter to immigration minister Kevin Foster, she said she is concerned about the new immigration plan and the end of EU free movement.

She warned of a shortage of health and social staff, particularly in rural areas that have “high concentrations of EU citizens in social care roles”.

She called on the UK Government to extend the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and add all social care roles to the Shortage Occupation List.

“Stakeholders across all key sectors in Scotland have made clear that they are struggling to cope with the end of freedom of movement, particularly given the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ms Freeman said.

“We feel that the UK Government’s new points-based system does not meet the needs of all parts of the UK.

“We would request that the UK Government extend the EUSS deadline to help protect our communities as we continue to cope with the effects of the pandemic.

“The social care sector must be given the tools to recruit staff at all levels – including those roles not covered by the new health and care worker visa. As such, we would request that all social care roles be added to the Shortage Occupation List.”