Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Home Office fails to adequately tackle exploitation and unethical practices against migrant care workers.
Recommendation
We remain concerned, however, that the Home Office has not done enough to tackle unethical practices and the exploitation of migrant workers in the social care sector.42 Evidence provided by UNISON highlighted that some employers were exploiting workers’ vulnerability, making them work excessive hours and remain on call during their time off.43 We also covered these issues in our report on reforming adult social care in England.44 The Home Office accepted that the route had not worked well in the social care sector and had led to some bad practices, including evidence that the route has been used for trafficking.45 The Home Office said it had learned lessons, but could have established time limits or review points, or had more tests and conditions for compliance and safeguarding.46
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendation to tackle exploitation. It describes ongoing collaborations and a working group, which will continue as the Fair Work Agency is launched by April 2027, to address abuse and exploitation. UKVI has also taken specific steps to protect care workers affected by sponsor licence revocations.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: April 2027 4.2 The Home Office collaborates with bodies such as the Director of Labour Market Enforcement, Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate, HMRC, DHSC, the Care Quality Commission, and Law Enforcement. The Home Office has established a working group to address abuse and exploitation in the construction sector, aiming to ensure individuals work for reputable sponsors. This initiative will continue as the government launches the Fair Work Agency, with an update to the Committee planned for April 2027, one year after its creation. Exploitation will also form part of the evidence the MAC will look at before making recommendations to the government. 4.3 The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has taken steps to protect care workers affected by sponsor licence revocations. Using discretionary powers, UKVI chose not to cancel their leave, instead directing them to regional partnerships for alternative employment. This approach, though not standard, was adopted due to the high level of non-compliance in adult social care compared to other sectors. 4.4 The Home Office continues to work with DHSC to support international recruitment regional partnerships, helping workers impacted by sponsor non-compliance transition into new roles in Adult Social Care. DHSC commissioned the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Social Care Workforce to evaluate the 2023–24 international recruitment regional fund, with findings published in January 2025. A further evaluation of the 2024–25 fund has been commissioned and is expected in 2026.