From April 9, 2025, the UK government has implemented new regulations requiring care providers in England to prioritize hiring international care workers already residing in the UK before recruiting from overseas. This policy shift aims to address visa compliance issues and reduce exploitation in the care sector.
Understanding the Changes
The new rules stipulate that employers must
🔸Demonstrate efforts to recruit care workers already in the UK.
🔸Collaborate with regional partnerships to access local talent.
🔸Advertise vacancies and maintain records of recruitment activities.
These requirements apply specifically to care workers (SOC 6135) and senior care workers (SOC 6136) in England.
Impact on Employers and Care Workers
Employers must adjust their recruitment strategies to comply with these regulations, ensuring they prioritize candidates already in the UK. Failure to do so could result in penalties or loss of sponsorship licenses.For care workers already in the UK, especially those affected by sponsorship revocations, these changes provide better access to new job opportunities.
How xpath.global Supports Compliance
At xpath.global, we offer comprehensive global mobility solutions to assist care providers in navigating these new hiring rules:
🔸Talent Pool Access: Connect with a network of care workers already in the UK seeking new opportunities.
🔸Compliance Tools: Utilize our platform to manage sponsorships, track recruitment efforts, and ensure adherence to regulations.
🔸Expert Guidance: Receive support from our in-house compliance team specialising in immigration and labor laws.
Looking Ahead
While the new hiring rules present challenges, they also offer opportunities to strengthen the care workforce within the UK. By focusing on local recruitment and ensuring compliance, care providers can build a more sustainable and ethical workforce.
For more information on how xpath.global can assist your organization, visit our website: xpath.global
