Access – Overseas workers have been a lifeline – tech isn’t a substitute but can be part of the solution

Last month, the government announced plans to stop the care worker visa as part of new restrictions on low-skilled workers. It is estimated that the decision will cut these foreign workers by 50,000 in 2025

These restrictions will be devastating for the care sector. Overseas workers have played a pivotal role in maintaining and supporting the care sector and the decision will put even more pressure on an already stretched service.

And whilst the intention to focus on domestic recruitment and invest in upskilling people in this country is positive, especially if it leads to more recruitment in the care sector, sadly it doesn’t answer the fundamental issue of often low pay and poor social recognition.

Concerning statistics

Between 2022 – 2024, 185,000 care staff were recruited from overseas, at a time when vacancies were continuing to grow.

And unfortunately, the forecast shows it’s set to get worse rather than better. Research highlights how the demand for staff – to meet the needs of elderly and vulnerable people – is expected to increase to over 430,000 by 2035. That’s 43,000 new care workers every year, excluding the current c135,000 vacancies.

The current pressures on staff and subsequent burnout have been well documented – the latest wellbeing survey from The Care Workers’ Charity showed how tough it is at the moment – and many people await care because providers are already short-staffed. With an expected 50,000 fewer care workers this year, providers will be under pressure to do more with less. This poses a serious question about what level of care is realistic and achievable.

A solution?

There is no silver bullet to this problem.

The recruitment and retention of care workers in the UK is a multi-faceted and complex issue, and there isn’t a simple solution in response to government’s plans. However, there are practical ways to empower the workforce to help increase efficiency and productivity levels.

Solutions such as technology-enabled care systems can offer vital support to carers, for example, by monitoring individuals remotely and helping manage their care without the need for as many in-person contact points/visits. The support ranges from giving clients prompts and reminders to preventing falls and helping staff make predictive decisions about future needs using analysis of an individual’s behaviour.

We all know that technology can’t replace the contribution of overseas care staff, but it can be part of the solution – there are great examples across the country that show how digital technologies are helping alleviate the burden on the sector.

Government action

So, what next? We need government to consider the significant ripple effect of its announcement and act accordingly. Specifically, to introduce effective plans to respond to the additional domestic staff entries to the market and offset the reliance on international staff. And support for care providers to respond to this, including the levels of funding available for the sustainable delivery of care.

Likewise, government needs to consider ways to help providers scale the use of digital tools to help with efficiencies and attract more talent to the sector.

Without these steps, the new plans risk putting further strain on an already underfunded and understaffed sector.

For further information and support visit: The Access Group

By Anisa Byrne, General Manager, Access Care and Ashley Haveloch-Jones, COO, Care Hires