Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Accepted
Skilled Worker visa sponsorship model leaves migrant workers vulnerable to widespread exploitation.
Conclusion
The Skilled Worker visa system is based on a sponsorship model where a migrant’s right to remain in the United Kingdom is dependent on their employer.49 This reliance makes migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation, and there is widespread evidence of workers suffering debt bondage, working excessive hours and exploitative conditions.50 Concerns about exploitation of migrant workers are widely documented, although there is no reliable data on the extent of abuses.51 Written submissions from the Work Rights Centre, Homecare Association, UNISON, Care England, Central England Law Centre and the Cavendish Coalition highlighted the problems in the current system, as well as the need to address the exploitation of migrant workers.52
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and aims for implementation by April 2027, outlining collaboration with various bodies, establishing a working group for the construction sector, launching the Fair Work Agency by April 2027, and taking steps to protect care workers from exploitation.
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.