The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has warned that the UK Government’s immigration proposals could have serious implications for local services across Wales – particularly for the already overstretched social care workforce.
The White Paper Restoring Control Over the Immigration System, published last week, sets out plans to restrict international recruitment for care worker roles and increase the threshold for work visas. Council leaders say these changes will make it even harder to recruit and retain the care staff needed to support older and disabled people.
The WLGA is urging the UK Government to recognise social care as a vital, skilled profession that deserves greater status and support. Councils are urging ministers to reconsider the approach outlined in the White Paper and to work in partnership with devolved governments and local government to find long-term solutions.
The WLGA will continue to work alongside ADSS Cymru, Social Care Wales, and the Welsh Government to monitor the impact of international recruitment changes and to push for urgent action to protect services and support the social care workforce.
Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, WLGA spokesperson for Health and Social Care said:
“Councils have long struggled to recruit social care workers, especially in rural and coastal areas. The Welsh Government’s Real Living Wage has helped, but international recruitment has been an important part of keeping services going. These proposals risk shutting off a vital source of social care workers at the very moment local services are under extreme pressure. Councils are working hard to support people to live with dignity and independence – but this depends on having a workforce in place.
"Removing this option without a fully funded plan to grow the domestic workforce is a significant risk. It will take time and investment to build a resilient, sustainable care workforce. In the meantime, we fear the consequences will be felt by the people who rely most on support – older people, people with disabilities, and unpaid carers.
"Workforce planning must reflect the reality on the ground. Local authorities are uniquely placed to understand the needs of their communities, and their insights must shape national decisions.”
Please click here for a statement by ADSS