A SCHEME to help hundreds of “displaced” workers in Scotland could provide up to 30,000 extra hours of adult social care each month, according to ministers.

Backed by £500,000 from the Scottish government, The Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme aims to match international workers who have lost their sponsored employment with new employers.

In October, Unison Scotland called for an overhaul of the visa system which ties migrant workers in the care sector to employers, and leaves them open to exploitation and abuse, with the union’s social care lead Jennifer McCarey warning: “Workers don’t feel they can speak out because their employer has power over their right to stay in the country. It’s a form of bonded labour.”

While the British government has yet to deliver such an overhaul, the Scottish government hopes this scheme could mitigate its effects, and support around 250 workers to become re-employed as well as help tackle labour shortages in social care.

Social care minister Tom Arthur said: “The UK Government’s hostile approach to migration and decision to close the adult social care visa route to new overseas applicants means this important sector faces serious recruitment challenges during a time of enormous need.

“Our displaced workers scheme supports a sustainable social care service and workforce for Scotland.

“This mitigates the loss of international recruitment caused by changes to the UK immigration system and helps meet the care needs of our older population, by allowing providers to deliver thousands of extra hours of valuable support.

“It also indicates the type of society we are working to support — one with kindness and fairness to the most vulnerable at its heart.”