Dire conditions for care workers

Migrant workers in adult social care face dire conditions, according to a new study by the UNISON public services union.

UNISON’s survey of more than 3,000 people who have come to the UK on health and care worker visas to help address the recruitment crisis in the sector finds many face having to share beds, sleep rough, and pay huge fees to secure their jobs.

The study, Caring at a cost, finds that nearly a quarter of those surveyed paid fees to an agency or directly to their employer before arriving just to be given work. These fees were as high as £20,000 and did not always guarantee paid employment.

Once in the UK, many of the workers find themselves housed in overcrowded, substandard accommodation and subjected to appalling racist abuse at work. The report finds that almost half (46%) experienced racism including verbal insults and physical abuse from clients in their care, other care workers, senior managers, employers, family members or friends.

Migrant workers also face issues with pay. Around 18% said employers had deducted money from their salary for “costs” relating to administration, uniforms, cars, loans, training, hotel rooms, and airport pick-ups.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said the findings underline the urgent need for reform with a national care service and fair pay agreement in social care.