MSP raises concerns about impact of immigration changes on care homes
A GREENOCK-BORN MSP has raised concerns over the impact changes in immigration policy could have on care homes in Inverclyde.
During a discussion at the Scottish Parliament about the impact of plans set out by Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier this month, Jamie Greene highlighted the recent news surrounding the possible closure of Greenock's Glenfield Care Home.
Greenock Medical Aid Society, which runs Glenfield, announced last month that it was facing the possibility of shutting the home down after almost a century in Inverclyde due to 'rising costs' and 'sector-wide challenges'.
(Image: Office of Jamie Greene MSP) Mr Greene also shared the thoughts of Jim Melville, who manages Campbell Snowden House in Quarrier's Village.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes was asked about the potential impact on the labour market in Scotland following Sir Keir Starmer's recent statement in which he outlined plans to 'tighten up' the immigration system.
Concerns have since been raised over the effect this may have on the care sector.
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Mr Greene said: 'Glenfield care home in Greenock is earmarked for closure, citing recruitment issues and the national insurance hike as primary reasons.
'Another care home manager, at Campbell Snowden House, warned that other care homes in my region will follow.
'He also admonished politicians for using language such as 'low-skilled workers' when it comes to the care sector, saying that they are highly-skilled jobs and that it is a very respectable career.
'What is the Scottish Government's plan B of the white paper comes to pass?
'How do we ensure that vital lifeline sectors, such as the care sector, will have the staff that they need in order to survive?'
Bosses at Glenfield Care Home in Greenock recently announced that the facility faces closure due to rising costs (Image: Newsquest) Ms Forbes replied: 'Jamie Greene is right to identify the double hit of the immigration white paper and the hike to national insurance contributions, both of which could have devastating impacts on the care sector.
'That is not just my view – it is also the view of Donald MacAskill and others who work in the sector.
'The data is stark and the evidence is clear. We have enough qualitative anecdotal evidence to illustrate what the impact could be.
'Jamie Greene is also right in his comment about the use of 'low-skilled workers', because we know how critical it is that we have a workforce in the care sector.
'Few things are as important to us, as a society, as the care of vulnerable people.'
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