THOUSANDS of care workers are no longer at risk of deportation after Britain’s largest residential care provider reversed its visa policy following a GMB campaign.
More than 700 people backed a petition against HC-One’s plans to only sponsor staff considered to be “business critical.”
It has now pledged to sponsor any current worker who meets the relevant government criteria.
GMB national officer Will Dalton said: “HC-One’s initial visa change would have forced out thousands of loyal, experienced care workers out of the country.
“It would have completely devalued professionals who have shown years of dedication to residents.
“Now, they can sleep easy.
“We’ve got to congratulate HC-One for rethinking; they’re going to value quality over quantity and bring confidence to migrant workers dedicated to providing care.”
GMB’s campaigned for all care workers’ pay to meet the £25,000 per year eligibility criteria for Health and Social Care Visa Sponsorship.
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The visa system traps workers with abusive employers, creating a vulnerable workforce scared to complain for fear of deportation — that is why we’re campaigning for a ‘common sponsorship’ model instead, writes FAVOUR DAVIDKING