Unison urges the government to take action to stop employers from exploiting migrant workers in care.
The union’s call came after the latest research revealed that many workers in the care sector are forced to share beds or sleep on the streets, and pay thousands of dollars in illegal fees.
The Its Care at a Price report revealed that some people paid intermediaries up to PS20,000 for a job, before even arriving in the country. However, they were housed in overcrowded or inadequate accommodation and experienced racial harassment at work.
Unison believes that the government should be responsible for sponsoring migrant workers in care. Unison insists that the current system, which sees care firms sponsor migrant workers and then allow them to apply for visas, allows unethical companies to abuse their power.
The report is based upon survey results conducted with over 3,000 people who entered the UK under health and care worker visas.
The study found that 15% of respondents had paid an employer money and 9% had paid a recruiter, or agency, in advance of arriving.
The union also warned that whistleblowers who report poor practices or mistreatment in the workplace are often threatened with removal and are therefore more susceptible.
The article also highlighted the fact that workers from overseas are at risk of deportation if they cannot find a new sponsor in 60 days after a care provider goes bankrupt.
Taxes, deductions, and pay
Many workers from Zimbabwe, India, and the Philippines admitted to paying fees in excess of PS10,000 for shifts at residential homes, private homes, and other areas related to adult social care. In some cases the work never materialised.
70% of those who paid before arrival in the UK cited recruitment as their main reason, followed by flights, visas, administration, accommodation, and training.
Nearly 2/5 (18%) of employees had money taken from their salaries by their employers since their arrival. The reasons for these deductions included administration fees, uniforms and cars, loans, trainings, hotel rooms and airport pickups. Only 4% of employees paid money to get out of their contract, which is illegal.
Three in ten (31%) also reported problems with their pay, including not receiving sick leave or compensation for travel time between visits. Some employees were not paid on time or their wages were deducted without reason.
Over one-fourth (27%) of respondents were paid less than PS11.44 per hour, the legal minimum rate. 13% received a salary below their non-overseas counterparts.
Three-quarters (75%) said they did not have enough money to pay for their bills, and nearly three-fifths (57%) were unable.
Others had to skip meals or rent payments and borrow money to get to work.
Conditions of living and working
In addition, the report revealed that three out of ten migrant workers (31%) were given housing, while nearly one in 10 (9%) said it was in poor or very poor condition. Nearly one-quarter (24%) workers who live in accommodation provided by their employer share a room with coworkers.
Nearly half of all respondents (46%) reported experiencing racism at work. This included verbal abuse and physical abuse. More than one third (36%) claimed they or their migrant worker colleagues were threatened with dismissal for refusing to accept the treatment they received at work.
Unison warns that, in light of these findings, individuals who are mistreated, underpaid and overworked will likely leave the sector, increasing vacancies, and not providing quality care.
Unison’s general secretary Christina McAnea commented on the report: “These shocking results highlight widespread exploitation migrant workers. These findings highlight the urgent need for reform, including a national service of care and fair pay agreements in social care.
Only when wages increase with the fair pay agreement promised will the care sector have a better chance to recruit and retain the increasing number of workers required to provide quality care to aging populations.
She said that overseas care staff are filling vacancies within the sector and should be treated with respect, without being abused or taken advantage of.
McAnea continued: “Nobody deserves to be treated this way. Some workers are being used as indentured labor. This is not just illegal, but it’s also immoral. Many of these people came to the UK with the hope of finding work and getting training but are now forced to live on the breadline.
The government should overhaul the sponsorship program as soon as possible. This would prevent exploitation, and raise standards in the care sector.
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