Angela Rayner Criticises Care Worker Visa Reforms
Angela Rayner has defended her stance against Home Office reforms that would make it harder for foreign care workers to obtain permanent residence in the UK. She argues the changes unfairly penalise workers who have moved to the country to care for loved ones, and the policy is now under scrutiny b…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Angela Rayner, the Labour Party’s deputy leader, has reiterated her criticism of the Home Office’s proposed changes to the visa rules for foreign care workers. In a statement released ahead of the party’s national conference, Rayner described the reforms as “disruptive” and “un‑British”, arguing that they would unfairly penalise those who have already moved to the UK to provide essential care for vulnerable residents.
What the Reforms Entail
Under the new proposals, care workers who earn below a graduate‑level salary would need to spend 15 years in the country before they could apply for settlement. The policy, introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood last year, was designed to address public concerns about net migration figures. The changes would apply to workers who have not yet reached the 15‑year threshold, meaning many would have to wait until 2027 to qualify for permanent residency.
Labour’s Internal Divide
Rayner’s comments come at a time of growing unease within the Labour Party. More than 100 MPs have publicly opposed the reforms, and several trade unions have voiced similar concerns. The policy is also a potential flashpoint for the new party leader, Andy Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer in July. Burnham has reportedly expressed reservations about the proposals and is reportedly considering exempting workers who have already relocated to the UK.
In a recent interview with the Times, Rayner highlighted the human impact of the policy: “When you ask someone to come here and look after your most vulnerable and they spend years dedicating themselves, moving their lives here to look after our loved ones, changing the goalposts years down the line is very disruptive.”
Background on Care Worker Migration
Between 2022 and 2024, roughly 180,000 foreign care workers entered the UK, largely under previous Conservative governments. Without the proposed changes, many of these workers would be eligible for permanent residency in 2027. The Labour government has already taken steps to halt the recruitment of care workers from abroad and has imposed restrictions on family members accompanying them.
Responses from Government and Stakeholders
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the policy at a Home Affairs Select Committee hearing, stating that the government was “looking at consultation responses properly” and that the reforms aimed to strike a balance between responsibilities to newcomers and the need to manage migration. She also assured that the rules would not apply retrospectively to those already working in the UK.
Backbench MP Rachael Maskell, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, expressed confidence that the plans would be adjusted to avoid retroactive application. She added that the government was mindful of the skills shortages that prompted the initial recruitment of foreign care workers.
Former Housing Secretary and care worker, who left school at 16, also criticized the changes. She had previously resigned as deputy prime minister amid a dispute over stamp duty on a flat purchase in Hove. In the Times interview, she echoed Rayner’s concerns, emphasizing the disruption caused by shifting immigration rules for those who have already committed to the UK.
What Happens Next?
The policy is still in the consultation phase, and the Home Office has not yet finalized the rules. The Labour Party’s upcoming conference, set to begin on Sunday, will likely serve as a platform for further debate. With Andy Burnham’s leadership in question, the party may face internal divisions over how to position itself on migration and care worker policies.
As the government considers the consultation responses, stakeholders—including MPs, unions, and care workers themselves—are calling for a more nuanced approach that protects the rights of those who have already integrated into the UK workforce.
For now, the future of the reforms remains uncertain, and the debate is poised to intensify as the party prepares for its national conference.
Key facts
- Angela Rayner decries Home Office care worker visa reforms as disruptive
- Reforms would require 15 years in the UK before settlement for low‑paid workers
- Over 100 Labour MPs and unions oppose the changes
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defends the policy as balanced
- Labour leader Andy Burnham is reportedly uneasy about the proposals
- Policy still under consultation, no final decision yet
Why it matters
The proposed visa changes could significantly affect the livelihoods of thousands of foreign care workers who support vulnerable communities in the UK, raising questions about fairness and the country’s commitment to its care sector.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main criticism of the new visa rules?
They would delay permanent residency for low‑paid care workers, potentially penalising those who have already moved to the UK.
Will the changes apply to workers already in the UK?
The government says they will not be applied retrospectively, but the policy is still under review.
How many care workers are affected?
Roughly 180,000 foreign care workers entered the UK between 2022 and 2024.
What is the Labour Party’s position?
The party is split, with many MPs and unions opposing the reforms.
What could happen at the Labour conference?
The conference may become a battleground for the party’s stance on migration and care worker policies.
Sources
- [1] theguardian.com — originally reported as “Angela Rayner stands by attack on care worker visa reforms ahead of Labour conference”
