A new survey by trade union UNISON has revealed shocking levels of exploitation faced by migrant care workers in the UK. Many foreign workers in the social care sector have paid thousands of pounds in fraudulent fees for job promises, endured overcrowded living conditions, and received wages below the legal minimum.
The survey, conducted between November 20 and January 6, gathered responses from over 3,000 migrant workers on health and care worker visas. Nearly a quarter reported paying recruitment agencies or care providers to secure a job, with some spending over £20,000 ($24,700). In one distressing case, a single mother sold all her possessions and borrowed £5,000 from family members, only to arrive in the UK and find no employment available.
Migrants make up almost a third of all care workers in England, with many coming from countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, India, and the Philippines. The UK’s post-Brexit immigration system, which allows companies to sponsor workers for visas, has given rise to exploitative practices. Unions and charities argue that some employers abuse their power, using the threat of deportation to trap workers in poor conditions.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, an investigative agency for labor exploitation, has reported a rise in cases of modern slavery, debt bondage, and financial abuse within the care sector. In response, the government announced tougher penalties in November to tackle the growing problem.
“These shocking findings highlight widespread exploitation of migrant care workers,” said UNISON General Secretary Christina McAnea. She warned that some workers were effectively being treated as indentured laborers and called for urgent reforms to prevent further abuse and improve care sector standards.
Housing conditions for many migrant care workers were found to be dire. Nearly a quarter of those living in care company-provided accommodation reported sharing a bedroom with multiple workers. One extreme case saw 15 people crammed into a single-bedroom flat. Additionally, more than a quarter of respondents were paid below the legal minimum wage of £11.44 per hour, and 57% struggled to cover their bills.
Immigration remains a contentious issue in the UK, with record levels of arrivals fueling debates over the strain on public services and the economy’s reliance on foreign workers. While the demand for care workers continues to rise due to an aging population, the mistreatment of migrant employees is becoming an urgent problem that demands government intervention.