THE SNP accused Labour today of “damaging Scotland’s health and care services” as visa approvals for sector workers plummet.

Visas issued to health and social care workers allowing them to work in the UK have fallen by a staggering 88 per cent since Labour came to power last year, according to the latest government statistics.

The findings come at a time when the NHS and social care providers across the country continue to struggle to recruit staff.

SNP MSP Clare Haughey pointed to Labour’s decision in July to close the social care worker visa route altogether as ramping-up that pressure, stating: “Labour are damaging Scotland’s health and care services.

“The 88 per cent drop in health and care worker visas in one year has been devastating for the sector. 

“It’s no wonder then that the Royal College of Nursing is now joining Scottish Care in sounding the alarm on Westminster’s damaging approach to immigration.

“Labour need to show they are serious about supporting Scotland’s public services by scrapping these harmful rules, or devolving immigration powers to Scotland.”

Scottish Labour was contacted for comment.