Labour’s Visa Reforms Spark Sector-Wide Push for Balanced Health Workforce Strategies
Labour’s visa reforms, closing Health and Care Visa sponsorships for care workers from July 2025 and raising Skilled Worker thresholds to £25,000, threaten the NHS and social care, where migrants fill 40% of nursing and 70% of care roles.
The Royal College of Nursing’s October 6 warning of “system collapse” amid 106,000 NHS and 131,000 care vacancies resonates with Care Circle Network’s diverse teams. Over 800 NHS workers’ open letter calls the policy “xenophobic,” with waiting lists—7.6 million now, potentially 8.5 million by spring 2026—at risk.
The £500 million care pay deal and £192 billion NHS budget for 2025/26 aim to retain domestic staff, but X posts rally: “Migrant carers are family—they keep us running.” Transition periods extend existing workers’ rights to 2028, and the Labour Market Evidence Group will refine shortages, but six roles lose eligibility. The DHSC-NHS executive team, starting November 3, targets £4.9 billion in digital savings, while £10 billion tech investment by 2028/29 enhances efficiency.
Care Circle Network advocates flexible shifts, cutting turnover 18% in pilots, and visa exemptions, as seen in Scotland. Leaders can join Network lobbying and share training strategies to build a diverse workforce, ensuring the 10-Year Plan’s vision delivers equitable care for all communities