Responding to the government’s consultation on extending the qualifying period for leave to remain for overseas workers, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Thursday):
“These proposals will be devastating to thousands of essential workers.
“Judging someone’s worth by the size of their wage slip sends a dreadful message to the people who keep the UK’s public services running.
“Forcing staff, many of whom stepped up during Covid, to wait 15 years for certainty about their futures betrays the promises they were made.
“Ministers are right to recognise the contribution of migrant doctors and higher-paid nurses. But they mustn’t overlook the care workers, nursing assistants and school support staff from overseas who are every bit as valuable.
“It’s absurd for ministers to pledge fair wages in social care, then punish overseas workers who’re taking on tough, lower-paid roles. Without them, care services would collapse.
“These plans would also leave migrant care workers at the mercy of employers for a decade and a half.
“They’re already trapped by visa rules that leave them open to exploitation. Reform of the visa system, taking sponsorship away from employers, is essential.
“There must be exemptions for all public-service staff, not just the highest paid. Migrant workers filling staffing gaps in our essential services should feel welcomed, not vilified.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Mark Conrad M: 07809 623703 E: m.conrad@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
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