The Labour Party has announced plans to investigate the treatment of migrant workers in the British social care sector if it wins the upcoming election. This move comes after numerous reports of alleged exploitation surfaced.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, described the allegations revealed by the Guardian as “a disgrace” and criticized the current government for ignoring the issue. She emphasized Labour’s support for the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) call for a thorough investigation into the experiences of migrant workers who claim they have been left with debts of up to £20,000 and little or none of the promised employment.
“The government has turned a blind eye to widespread exploitation of migrant care workers, putting vulnerable people at risk and undermining our immigration system and standards,” Cooper stated. She condemned the practice of charging migrant workers exorbitant fees by agencies and employers profiting from overseas recruitment.
Cooper highlighted that Labour’s planned crackdown on exploitation in the care sector would be spearheaded by a new enforcement body dedicated to overseeing new employment rights.
Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, also criticized the Conservative government, stating, “Cases like these show that the Conservatives have made a mess of our immigration system and have made little effort to clamp down on exploitation in the sector. This now needs to be investigated with urgency.”
A Downing Street spokesperson assured that the Home Office would take action against any sponsors found neglecting their responsibilities to ensure appropriate payment for work done.
The Guardian’s investigation highlighted the plight of more than 30 migrant workers from India who paid substantial sums to immigration agents, and in some cases directly to UK care providers, to secure visas. Upon arrival, many discovered there was insufficient work to meet the full-time employment they had been promised, leaving them with significant debts and no means to repay them.
One migrant worker recounted paying two agents £17,000 for a visa with the promise of working for Swan Care Solutions on a £22,880 salary, only to receive no work. Another worker, promised 40 hours a week at £10.10 an hour by Ace 24 Healthcare, was told he needed to find his own clients to get work.
The RCN reported an increase in inquiries about exploitation, including instances where workers were indebted to agents or employers for visa fees, travel, or training. Some workers faced withheld wages to repay these loans, leading to financial struggles for essentials like rent and transportation.
The RCN has called on the leaders of the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats to commit to ending this exploitation and to oversee an investigation to address the issue.
