Home Office statistics have revealed that far fewer people are seeking to come from abroad to work in the NHS and social care.
The figures show that the Home Office approved 89,085 visas for the health and care sector in the year to June 2024 - more than 80 per cent down on last year.
In May, Care England drew attention to the decrease in number of overseas care worker applications, with a reduction of over 50 per cent between October 2023 and April 2024.
Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “The government is running out of time to listen. While the decision to restrict applicants was made by the previous government, it is incumbent on those now in power to take ownership of their inherited situation. They must make the changes needed to ensure the social care sector remains sustainable.
“Our dedicated workforce is social care's biggest asset, and without the proper measures in place to draw in domestic recruits, the gap left by international recruits will reach an untenable level. Adult social care needs a fully funded workforce plan, with boosted pay, terms and conditions, the change for career progression, parity of esteem with NHS colleagues. Without this, our sector risks not having enough staff to deliver the care and support this country's needs now, or in the future.”
