International talent available to support employers adult social care workforce
Unlocking International Talent: Ethical Recruitment in Adult Social Care
In the wake of an increasing demand for skilled and compassionate care workers, international recruitment has played a vital role in bolstering the UK's adult social care workforce. Dedicated international recruits bring invaluable expertise and commitment, significantly enhancing the quality of care provided to vulnerable individuals.
However, with the rise in international recruitment, there has also been a worrying surge in unethical employment practices. Some providers have exploited international recruits, failing to uphold ethical standards and violating their duty of care. In response, the UK Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care have taken firm action, revoking the sponsorship licences of non-compliant providers.
A Pool of Displaced, Skilled Care Workers Seeking Ethical Employers
The unfortunate consequence of these revocations is that many committed international care workers have been left displaced, through no fault of their own. These workers—who have dedicated themselves to supporting those in need—are now in urgent search of ethical social care providers who can offer them employment and sponsorship.
Despite these challenges, this presents a significant opportunity for ethical care providers across England. There is now a large, ready-to-work talent pool of displaced international care workers who are eager to continue making a difference in the sector.
Social care providers who have stepped in to employ displaced workers have praised their professionalism, compassion, and expertise. A home care manager at Avant Home Care highlights:
“At Avant Home Care, we recognise the invaluable contributions of skilled care workers who, due to various circumstances, have found themselves seeking new roles. This often-untapped pool of talent offers an exceptional opportunity for the social care sector to bridge workforce gaps with dedicated professionals ready to bring compassion and expertise to those in need. We strongly encourage other social care providers to look to these displaced workers to address staffing needs where needed in our local communities.”
How Ethical Care Providers Can Help
If you have vacancies in your adult social care workforce and are looking to recruit international workers, you are encouraged to contact your relevant regional lead (listed below) to explore how you can support displaced workers in finding stable and ethical employment.
Benefits of Employing Displaced International Care Workers:
Fast-Tracked Visa Processing: Applications for sponsorship licences and Certificates of Sponsorship can be expedited free of charge when hiring displaced workers.
A Skilled and Committed Workforce: These individuals have already undergone rigorous recruitment and training processes.
Strengthening Ethical Recruitment Practices: By offering employment to displaced workers, providers demonstrate a commitment to ethical recruitment and workforce stability.
Ensuring Ethical Recruitment Practices
All international recruitment must adhere to the UK Code of Practice. To support providers in navigating this process, a best practice toolkit, developed in collaboration with Skills for Care, is available to guide you through the ethical recruitment of international staff.
Take Action: Contact Your Regional Lead Today
If you are a social care provider in England with employment opportunities for displaced international workers, please reach out to your regional lead for assistance:
Regional Contacts:
North Central London: CL.HSCAcademy@camden.gov.uk
North West London: chelwest.nwlirsub-regional@nhs.net
South East London: IR.SELondon@bexley.gov.uk
North East London: NEL.IRSupport@havering.gov.uk
South West London: Internationalrecruitment@southlondonpartnership.co.uk
South East England: Please fill in this form
East of England:
Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Thurrock & Southend: EssexSuffolkHertsIR@essex.gov.uk
Milton Keynes: IWSupport@worksforus.org.uk
Cambridgeshire: irsupportcambs@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough & Luton: IR.DISPLACEDWORKERSUPPORT@BLCB.CO.UK
Peterborough: IRSupport@peterborough.gov.uk
Other Regions:
South West: commissioning.swadass@swcouncils.gov.uk
East Midlands: employersupport@eastmidscare.co.uk
West Midlands: hello@wmca.international
Yorkshire & Humber: international.recruitment@adassyh.org.uk
Greater Manchester: nhsgm.gmadviceandsupport@nhs.net
Cheshire & Mersey: cminternationalrecru@warrington.gov.uk
Lancashire, Westmorland & Furness: IRSupport@lancashire.gov.uk
North East: sponsored.support@durham.gov.uk
A Call to Action for Ethical Employers
Displaced international care workers are ready and willing to continue serving in adult social care. This is an opportunity for ethical providers to make a real difference—both in supporting vulnerable individuals and in upholding the highest standards of recruitment.
By stepping forward, you can help rebuild lives, strengthen the workforce, and ensure continuity of care for those who need it most.
If you’re a social care provider with vacancies, please consider hiring displaced international workers today.
For more details on ethical international recruitment, refer to the best practice toolkit or contact your regional team for guidance.
Together, we can ensure fair, responsible, and sustainable recruitment practices in the UK’s social care sector.
