What Labour's immigration reforms will mean for the care sector
SIR – The Government's plan to require foreign skilled workers to have degrees (report, May 12) will lead to a situation where doctors and other professionals can come in, but there will be a complete lack of people applying for manual staff jobs in residential care for the elderly, sick and disabled.
It seems as though Sir Keir Starmer can't run a whatsit in a brewery.
Paul Griffith
West Malvern, Worcestershire
SIR – I note that at present anyone applying for care work in the UK – whether foreign or British – needs as a minimum to meet the B1 standard of proficiency in English: in other words, 'the ability to understand common phrases and everyday expressions, manage most situations likely to be encountered in travel or work, and produce simple connected text on a familiar topic'.
Now, according to your report (May 8), the Home Secretary will be demanding that all work visa applicants have English at B2 – in other words, A-level – standard.
Is she really intending to turn the crisis in social care into a complete disaster, or is this simply an oversight?
Dame Patricia Hewitt
Thornham, Norfolk
SIR – During my recent second career as a local councillor, I discovered that many social care workers were women in their late thirties and forties who above all wanted flexible working arrangements so they could be home for the children after school and during school holidays, and available during any child illnesses.
This cohort, by and large, were not so interested in securing generous public sector pensions, but wanted a good rate for a difficult job with reasonably flexible working hours.
I was informed, however, that there was no scope within local government pension rules to allow such a trade-off, and that flexible employment contracts would not be agreed by the unions. The only way to offer flexibility was to use expensive agency workers, often from overseas.
This is something the Government should act upon if it is to encourage these carers back into the market.
Alan Law
Streatley, Berkshire
SIR – I read Jane Shilling's column ('The elderly need to be recognised for their skills, not as a burden', May 12) with interest and agreement. I get the impression that this Government considers them a burden, rather than a demographic that still contributes to society in many ways through voluntary and paid employment.
Now with the crackdown on immigration, care homes will no doubt be tearing their hair out and may face closure. The patronising tone from Labour is outmoded. Just treat us with more actual respect and then we will willingly give it back.
Judith A Daniels
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
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