Significant challenges within the care sector have become particularly prominent in the last few weeks, with an increase in staff shortages due to the end of free movement and a spotlight placed on funding. In response to the government, The Migration Advisory Committee (‘MAC’) is requesting views and evidence from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience in the adult social care sector in the UK. Find out how you can contribute and help us to create positive change for the sector below.

What does the end of free movement mean for the sector?

In November 2018, the Institute for Public Policy Research reported that there were 95,000 EU nationals working in the social care sector, which represented about 7% of the total workforce and the growing number of EU nationals working in the sector between 2013 and 2018 accounted for a third of the increase in workforce during that time period. It is anticipated that the sector will now have to spend significant sums to recruit and train the thousands of workers needed to replace the current staff shortages.

The Migration Advisory Committee’s review – call for evidence

In July 2021, the government asked the MAC to perform a review of the adult social care system and the impact that the end of free movement has had on the sector.

The MAC will provide a report to the government that focuses on the impact in four key areas:

  1. The skills shortages for all caring roles in the adult social care workforce, including care workers, registered nurses and managerial roles
  2. The visa options available for social care workers as free movement has ended and with it a reliance on EU workers
  3. The long-term consequences for workforce recruitment, training and employee terms and conditions; and
  4. Any other relevant matters the independent chair finds relevant to the three areas listed above

It is a key time for those involved in the sector to contribute to the report and highlight the key issues. In order for the MAC to provide a comprehensive response and the government to create positive change for the sector, we know it is important that those involved and working in adult social care have their voices heard.

The MAC is requesting views and evidence from anyone with relevant knowledge, expertise or experience in the adult social care sector in the U.K. to help inform their response to the government.

All submissions must be made before 29 October 2021.

How can we contribute?

There are two ways in which your organisation can get involved:

  1. Register your interest for a roundtable discussion to be held on 11 October 2021 with a small group of interested organisations. Issues and themes will be collated as part of this discussion and then the Bates Wells’ immigration team will respond to the MAC consultation.
  2. Complete this information questionnaire and return it to [email protected] by 4 October 2021. The Bates Wells immigration team will then review the responses and provide a response to the MAC consultation.