Personal Blogs

 Having recently read the news regarding the shortfall in the care sector, l am still confused as to why the sector does not wish to pay those currently working in the sector the amount that they would have  to pay those to work here on  a visa. 

The pay rate on average for  carer here is £16,866.72  per anum based on £9.01 an hour, (already skilled, trained and experienced). Out  of this comes income tax, insurance, housing costs, utility bills and everyday expenses. For those that need a top up from the DWP, they, ( DWP)  reclaim the extra money and thus leave families  worse off, for working extra hours,  leaving a shortage of staff in the care sector.  Some owners and managers either refuse or have little knowledge of the dilemma this leaves their staff in.  Staff  have been stereotyped by some owners and managers as  being lazy and not wishing to work due to the reliance on the DWP, however for working over the set hours set by the DWP, the carers are sanctioned and as a result instead of being rewarded their money is taken away leaving them considerably worse off.

To employ someone from overseas to fill the gap they would be paid approx £20,480.00 anum. 30,000 visas available equates to £ 614,400,000 in wages for the year.  .  Recruitment, accommodation, utility bills, tax and insurance  would also have to be paid. It seems to me that this is a false economy taking into consideration all the external costs. Would all recruited be vaccinated ?

 Would it not be more economical to pay the workforce of  carers here the £20,480.00 per anum  and then review the sector maybe  after  a two year period  of implementation to see what the shortfall would actually  be ? 

Pay rates (skillsforcare.org.uk)

 Skilled Worker visa: shortage occupations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Skilled Worker visa - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)