Aspirants seeking opportunities as care workers in the UK should be cautious. Reports of exploitation and fraudulent practices have raised concerns, shedding light on the darker side of these opportunities.
In recent developments, the UK’s Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) has designated the widespread exploitation of care workers recruited from abroad as a top priority.
The Health and Care Worker visa system, designed to provide opportunities for overseas workers, has been significantly abused, leading to a surge in allegations of fraud and modern slavery, Sky News has reported.
According to Martin Plimmer, Senior Investigating Officer at the GLAA, there are over 30 ongoing investigations into illegally operating care agencies. The full extent of this issue is yet to be determined. Plimmer stated that the care sector has become the agency’s primary focus due to the substantial influx of intelligence regarding exploitation in this sector. It’s worth noting that just two years ago, the care sector wasn’t on their radar.
Unscrupulous companies have emerged across the nation, preying on workers desperate for opportunities in the UK. These exploitative entities aim to maximize their profits by undercutting worker wages and imposing excessive fees. In some cases, these practices involve illegal recruiters based within the UK, operating fraudulent care agencies.
The consequences of such practices are dire. As an example, ‘Mary,’ not her real name, sought employment in the UK to support her ailing husband and teenage son.
She came across an online job ad for a care agency in the north of England, underwent a successful interview on Zoom, and was then asked to transfer an illegal fee of £4,000. In return, she received a certificate of sponsorship and a Health and Care Worker visa, which promised her 39 hours of work per week.
However, when Mary arrived in England in July, she was met by her recruiter, who informed her that there was no job available.
Since then, she has received accommodation and a small food allowance but has not received any paid work. Mary, feeling trapped, is restricted by the terms of her visa, which permit her to work only for her sponsor. She is hesitant to report the agency, fearing the consequences.
Exploitative practices by such agencies have skyrocketed since care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List, allowing their recruitment from overseas. As a result, more workers have fallen victim to these illegal recruiters.
The consequences of this exploitation are far-reaching, not only impacting care workers but also raising concerns about the quality of care and safety of those under their charge.
The government, alongside relevant authorities, must take action to eradicate these exploitative practices and ensure that those seeking opportunities in the UK are not left vulnerable to such unscrupulous agencies.
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