Thousands of carers 'sleep easy' after visa u-turn

Thousands of vital care workers ‘can sleep easy’ after HC-One reversed its visa policy following a GMB campaign.

Around three thousand care workers were at risk of deportation after HC-One, the largest residential care provider in the UK, announced it would only sponsor staff considered to be ‘business critical’.

But following a GMB campaign – which saw more than 700 people sign a petition against the policy – the care giant has now said it will sponsor any current worker as long as they meet the Government criteria.

Will Dalton, GMB National Officer, said:

“HC-one’s initial visa change would have forced out thousands of loyal, experienced care workers out of the country.

“It would have completely devalued professionals who have shown years of dedication to residents.

“Now, they can sleep easy.

“We’ve got to congratulate HC-One for rethinking; they’re going to value quality over quantity and bring confidence to migrant workers dedicated to providing care.”