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News Sector leaders react to immigration white paper
Care sector leaders have expressed their consternation at the government’s immigration white paper, which seeks to end overseas recruitment for social care visas. Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive of Care England, said: “This is a crushing blow to an already fragile sector. The government is kicking us while we’re already down. “For years, the sector has been propping itself up with dwindling resources, rising costs, and mounting vacancies. International recruitment wasn’t a silver bullet, but it was a lifeline. Taking it away now, with no warning, no funding, and no alternative, is not just short-sighted – it’s cruel. “We’re told to wait for the Employment Rights Bill and a Fair Pay Agreement, but those reforms are years away and come with no significant funding attached. In the meantime, we’ve lost 70,000 domestic workers over the last two years, vacancies still remain sky-high, and many providers are on the brink of collapse. Who do ministers think is going to care for people tomorrow, next week, or next month?
“Once again, social care is being sacrificed to score political points. There’s a dangerous pattern emerging; action is too slow where it’s needed, and too fast when it’s harmful. The sector cannot take any more. We need proper funding, a real workforce plan, and immediate recognition that without care, the NHS, our communities, and countless families will fall apart.”
National Care Forum CEO Vic Rayner OBE commented: “The plans set out in the immigration white paper will do little to reassure people drawing on care and support, let alone care workers and employers, that social care is a priority for this government right now.
Free training programme for next generation of carers
Embark Learning Care Academy has joined forces with The King’s Trust to deliver a free training programme for young people looking to begin a career in care. Aimed at young people aged between 18-30 who have either previously trained in health and social care or have experience as young or unpaid carers, the training offers participants expert-led support, hands-on training, and a clear pathway into employment. The programme includes a series of week-
long training sessions held at The King’s Trust Birmingham Centre in Digbeth. Every participant that completes the training is guaranteed an interview for either a flexible healthcare assistant or a support worker role. Students will also receive additional support including interview preparation guidance, a free DBS check, and financial assistance for their travel and uniforms when they begin their new role. Also included is six months of tailored
follow-up support, along with access to further qualifications such as Level 2 and
3 Diplomas in Care, opening the door to progression into more senior positions. Eyad Hanash, head of contracts at Embark Learning, said: “We’re proud to continue to partner with The King’s Trust to help young carers and aspiring professionals gain the confidence, skills, and qualifications they need to succeed. “At Embark, we are striving to build the
next generation of carers, ensuring they are truly passionate and ready to make a real difference in care. It all starts with effective, quality training, and it’s initiatives such as these that help young people get their foot in the door – in the right way.” Jason Wright, delivery manager for health and social care at The King’s Trust, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Embark and grateful for its commitment to support and train young people for a career in social care. “We know that the opportunity to secure
employment can be life-changing and can help them achieve financial independence, increase their confidence and enable them to reach their full potential.”
Government has a responsibility to step up to its immigration policy decision making and realise the need for urgent workforce planning and immediate improvements to care worker pay, terms and conditions to cover the shortfall that will be caused by these proposals rather than relying on references to a Fair Pay Agreement which is unlikely to come into effect for a number of years. “This policy is shortsighted in that it
overlooks the current levels of unmet care and support need. Additionally, government seems to be ignoring recommendations made by its own Migration Advisory Committee which has called repeatedly in recent years for immediate improvements to care worker pay and workforce planning by the state to bolster the domestic workforce. Whilst the current government is more clear about intent, the major gap between rhetoric and reality will do little to calm the real concerns of those who have been actively involved in strengthening their workforce through the valuable contribution of international colleagues.”
Macc Care Group opens fifteenth home
Midlands-based Macc Care Group is opening its fifteenth care home – Wyrley Rose in Great Wyrley, Staffordshire.
The home is Macc Care’s largest to date, offering 90 bedrooms and amenities including a cafe, cinema, gym, and salon. Wyrley Rose is adjacent to Wyrley Court, Macc Care’s latest retirement village, establishing an integrated community that promotes continuity of care, social connection, and shared amenities. Bhav Amlani, director of Macc Care Group,
said: “Wyrley Rose marks an exciting new chapter for Macc Care. As our largest home to date, it reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering outstanding care within purpose- built environments that truly feel like home. “We know communities across the Midlands are facing rising demand for high-quality, accessible care, particularly for individuals living with complex or evolving needs. Wyrley Rose has been designed to help bridge that gap, offering compassionate, clinically informed care within a supportive and stimulating setting.”
June 2025
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