Ministers must probe exploitation

The RCN nurses’ union has called on the government to launch an urgent investigation into the exploitation of overseas care workers after new data revealed a six-fold increase in calls from members about repayment clauses.

In 2023-24, the union’s advice team handled 134 calls about these clauses — which can trap migrant care workers in appalling conditions for years after they were first hired — compared to 22 in 2020-21.

It highlighted the case of one care worker who had suffered severe bullying and harassment but was unable to leave their role as they were expected to pay £10,000, despite no such figure being included in their contract.

Another resigned after being assaulted and racially abused at work but was told they owed more than £3,000 for visa costs.

“Sadly, we know the surge in exploitation cases being reported to the RCN is only the tip of the iceberg,” said RCN general secretary Nicola Ranger.

Ministers were right to commit to an investigation during the election campaign, she added, which “must now happen with urgency”.