Don't break the promise to our carers

A proposed change in rules for carers from overseas working in the NHS and care homes “would have massive impacts on older and vulnerable people in Taunton and Wellington,” the area’s MP, Gideon Amos, told a Parliamentary debate on Monday.

Care workers - who were promised that they could apply for indefinite leave to remain after working here for five years - could be faced with removal from the UK if government retrospectively increases the minimum period to ten years.

Gideon addressed a debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday, taking up the cases of Taunton and Wellington residents in the healthcare sector whose visas won't allow them to stay for additional years, leaving them fearing for their futures.

Gideon highlighted two local workers who were facing an uncertain future.

“I thank the 344 and 511 signatories from Taunton and Wellington who signed the (two) petitions, including Adekunle, who is in the Public Gallery today,” he said.

“Everyone recognises that the immigration system needs to be controlled and workable, but this debate is not about the immigration system.

“It is not about people who may come here or are thinking of coming here; it is about people who are here, who have answered our call to come and work in our health services and in our country. They have settled here, and they are already providing that vital work.

“These changes - extending ILR requirements from five years to ten - would remove from my constituency the care workers and potentially the care services that people need and rely on.

“I do not know who the Government think will vote for the removal of care and care workers from their constituencies.

“It cannot be right to change the rules after people have made that big decision to uproot themselves and invest their lives halfway around the world to be here.”

Gideon added: “Patience is a care worker in my constituency. Her family of three chose to be here, and were thrilled by a new life.

“Since the announcement, she says their family “have turned quiet” and their two-year-old son is constantly asking what is wrong.

“Adekunle has two toddlers, who were born here and know no other country. They have no recourse to public funds. He now even feels unable to raise concerns about the people he cares for and the quality of care they receive.”

“Effectively sending people away and breaking that promise would have massive impacts on older and vulnerable people in Taunton and Wellington.

“The Government should instead honour the promise made, and not move the goalposts after the game has begun.

“They must maintain the rules, including for Hongkongers based in the UK, and build on the success the workers have brought or community.”