A post-Christmas return to work has been challenging for employers this year with COVID restrictions, self-isolation and difficulties with recruitment. Thrings’ Employment team has set out answers to some of the most pressing issues faced by employers at this time.
QUESTION: Have the immigration rules been eased to enable the recruitment of staff from overseas?
ANSWER: The pandemic has highlighted labour shortages within the social care sector. On 24 December 2021, the Home office announced that overseas care workers, care assistants and home care workers will be eligible to apply for a 12-month Health and Care Visa.
The temporary measures are due to come into effect in early 2022 and will be in place for at least 12 months. The continued shortage of seasonal agricultural workers led to another announcement by the Home Office; it has been confirmed that the Seasonal Worker visa route will be extended to the end of 2024, allowing overseas workers to come to the UK for up to six months to pick up edible and ornamental crops.
For further information, please contact Head of Employment at Thrings, Kerrie Hunt: khunt@thrings.com