Immigration White Paper: What It Means for Homecare in Huddersfield and Beyond

The Government has published its latest Immigration White Paper, and its impact on social care could be profound. The document outlines sweeping changes, including the closure of social care visas to new overseas applicants, a move described by Care England as “a crushing blow to an already fragile sector.”

At Bespoke Care and Support Services, we know firsthand how dependent the care sector in Huddersfield and Kirklees has become on international recruitment, not as a preference, but as a necessity.

What the White Paper Says

• Social care visas will close to new applications from abroad.

• Only in-country extensions and visa switches will be allowed, and only until 2028.

• English language requirements will increase for all visa holders and their dependants.

• Residency will now take 10 years, unless applicants can prove consistent tax contributions or employment in key sectors.

• Skilled worker visas will now require a university degree, and care roles will not be considered “highly skilled.”

  
  

The paper acknowledges that labour shortages in sectors like social care are often not due to a lack of skill but due to poor pay, unsociable shifts, and difficult working conditions, precisely the structural issues the government has not yet resolved.

Sector-Wide Alarm Bells

Reactions from across the sector have been stark:

• Unison warned that the care system “would have collapsed long ago without international recruits.”

• Care England called the move “a crushing blow.”

• Jane Townson and Professor Martin Green both emphasised the risk to care continuity and quality.

• The Guardian and Community Care have also highlighted the disconnect between workforce realities and government rhetoric.

  
  

Here in Central Huddersfield, the implications are just as serious. For providers like us offering personal care, private care, and homecare in Kirklees, this move risks:

• Fewer available care staff

• More strain on an already underfunded system

• Increased burnout and turnover among UK-based staff

• Rising unmet need in vulnerable communities

  
  

Local Context: A Sector Already at Breaking Point

Earlier this year, we shared our concerns with local MP Harpreet Uppal. We explained that the Kirklees Council-funded rate of £24.14 per hour falls significantly below the Homecare Association’s recommended minimum of £32.14. With local providers already under-resourced, removing access to overseas staff will further destabilise care provision in the district.

The government suggests that Fair Pay Agreements and a new Care Workforce Pathway will offset the damage. But without clear timelines, funding, or enforceable commitments, these are promises without practical value for today’s workforce or tomorrow’s service users.

The Bottom Line

Award-winning care in Huddersfield can only be sustained with adequate funding, a respected and properly paid workforce, and access to international talent when needed. Ending overseas recruitment without fixing these root issues puts older people and disabled adults at serious risk.

At Bespoke Care, we remain committed to high-quality, person-centred support, but we cannot do it alone. We urge local leaders, national policymakers, and care advocates to work together on real, lasting solutions.