New survey data has revealed that one in five overseas care workers in the UK are looking to change roles and have never done any work for their employer. This concerning statistic has prompted the launch of a new platform, SponsorSwitch, by care provider and technology platform, Lifted Talent.
The survey, conducted by Lifted Talent, targeted overseas care workers in the UK who are seeking new roles. The results revealed that despite employers being legally obligated to provide a genuine job with a minimum salary of £23,200 and a minimum hourly wage of £11.90, 20% of recipients have not done any work for their employer. Additionally, 40% of recipients are living on less than £120 a week from their care role, despite Home Office rules stating they should be paid a minimum of £446.25 a week from April 4th. Shockingly, 10% of recipients have been threatened by their employers with the removal of their sponsorship, leaving them with less than 60 days to leave the country. Furthermore, 17% of respondents reported having to pay for their Certificate of Sponsorship, despite this document not being a candidate’s responsibility.
In response to these alarming findings, Lifted Talent has launched SponsorSwitch, a platform that aims to match exploited care workers with ethical employers in the UK. The platform not only assists in finding housing and vehicles for workers but also automates all Home Office compliance to ensure that employers do not violate Home Office rules. The Homecare Association has expressed its support for this technology, with CEO Dr. Jane Townson OBE stating, “These survey results show why it is so vital that we provide opportunities for sponsored care workers without adequate work, for whatever reason, to find new roles with the thousands of excellent home care providers in this country.”
Leading care companies such as Right at Home UK and Walfinch have already found new staff through the platform and have offered their support. Lucy Campbell, CEO of Right at Home UK, stated, “Exceptional CareGivers are vital to the support we offer people. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment in which CareGivers can build their careers.” Similarly, Amrit Dhaliwal, CEO of Walfinch, expressed his company’s support for the platform, stating, “We are delighted to have already found some exceptional staff through the platform to provide our award-winning care.”
Lifted Talent CEO Rachael Crook, who co-founded the platform after her experience as a young carer for her mother with dementia, stated, “The UK has a huge shortage of care workers. The Health and Social Care Visa scheme has brought enormous benefits to our sector. However, it is being undermined by a small number of unscrupulous companies.” She hopes that SponsorSwitch will provide a second chance for care workers who were promised a new life in the UK, only to be exploited or left without work.
The platform has already helped care workers like Linda, who came to the UK from Zimbabwe in September 2023 and was promised full-time work but ended up working less than 10 hours a week for less than £120 a week. After being referred to SponsorSwitch, she is now working full time for a supportive care company in Gravesend and is saving up to bring her children to join her. Other success stories include May*, who was charged £3,300 for her Certificate of Sponsorship and was referred to SponsorSwitch, and Patience, who was asked to work 70 hours a week and faced threats from her employer. Both have found new, supportive roles through SponsorSwitch.
SponsorSwitch is a much-needed solution to the exploitation and mistreatment of overseas care workers in the UK. With the support of the Homecare Association and leading care companies, the platform aims to provide ethical employment opportunities for those who have been promised a better life in the UK.
