Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Accepted
Government eased entry for care workers, significantly increasing Health and Care Worker visa applications.
Conclusion
In 2022, the government eased entry requirements for care workers to help the social care sector address skill shortages and respond to the demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic.34 By the end of 2024, 648,100 people, including 389,600 dependants, had applied for a Health and Care Worker visa since the route was expanded, making up 65% of all applications for Skilled Worker visas over this period.35
Government Response Summary
The government states it agrees with the committee's observation. It notes that DHSC already monitors trends in the size and demographics of the care workforce using various intelligence sources and commits to writing separately to the Committee on this point.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: October 2025 3.2 The government will write separately to the Committee on this point as requested. 3.3 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: July 2028 3.4 DHSC monitors trends in the size of the care workforce using a range of intelligence, including monthly tracking based on data collection from independent providers. 3.5 DHSC also uses annual estimates of demographics within the Adult Social Care workforce to monitor trends in the number of posts within the sector which are filled by British nationals, supplemented by additional intelligence.