Andy Burnham has hinted at a possible exception for foreign care workers from upcoming immigration changes while commending the dedication of the caregivers looking after his father.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for “fairness” in the regulations for individuals who migrated to the UK in good faith to work in the sector, indicating a potential softening of a visa crackdown proposed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
Under the proposed reforms, it would become more challenging for migrants to settle permanently in the UK, requiring overseas carers to wait 15 years before qualifying for indefinite leave to remain, as opposed to the current five-year requirement, even if they are already residing in the UK.
The suggestion of retroactively applying these rules to individuals who arrived on post-Brexit health and social care visas sparked significant backlash.
Housing Secretary Angela Rayner, a former carer, openly criticized the proposal, while unions and care organizations have voiced concerns about the heavy reliance of the sector on international workers and how the changes could exacerbate existing staff shortages.
During a recent speech addressing social care reforms, Mr. Burnham expressed gratitude to the foreign care workers caring for his father, Roy, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s.
When asked about potential reforms affecting care staff, he highlighted the contributions of overseas workers in the care and health systems, based on his personal observations while visiting his father.
Emphasizing the challenging nature of caring for others’ family members, Burnham stressed the importance of recognizing and fairly compensating these workers who undertake such a noble responsibility.
While supporting a robust immigration approach, he also underscored the necessity of ensuring fairness for those who have made commitments to the country in good faith.
The Prime Minister has endorsed Ms. Mahmood’s immigration proposals and retained her position during a recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Ms. Mahmood has argued that migrants should earn the privilege of settling permanently in the UK, with the government warning that around 1.6 million people could gain an automatic right to settle by 2030 unless rules are altered to apply retroactively.
The Home Office is currently considering transitional arrangements for individuals already residing in the UK, with a decision expected to be announced in the autumn.
