Care Provider Alliance demands swift resolution for exploited migrant workers
24 October 2023
Following the publication of Unseen UK’s report Who cares? A review of reports of exploitation in the care sector, Dr Jane Townson, Chair of the Care Provider Alliance (CPA), has issued the following statement:
“The Care Provider Alliance (CPA) is mindful of the cases that are being raised and we are working with the Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care to stop unacceptable and criminal practices.
“CPA has been contributing to guidance and support mechanisms to ensure care providers and their workforce understand this complex process.
“Our sector values people coming to work with us in social care and support services. Staff from other nations offer extensive skills to support many people they will work with across our country. We demand a swift resolution for any person who has been poorly treated by unscrupulous recruiters.”
The Unseen UK report reveals that the care sector has historically made up a small proportion of the total number of modern slavery cases indicated through the UK’s Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline. But it is on the rise. From seven cases in the whole of 2017, the Unseen UK Helpline indicated 106 cases with potentially 712 victims in 2022, and that figure is continuing to grow in 2023.
Care workers and others who are concerned about the exploitation of overseas workers can contact the UK’s Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline managed by Unseen UK – telephone 08000 121 700.
Care providers can access guidance on overseas recruitment on Skills for Care website.
Notes to Editors§
About the CPA
The Care Provider Alliance (CPA) brings together the 10 main national associations which represent independent and voluntary adult social care providers in England. We work to represent the sector and ensure a coordinated response to the major issues that affect it.
The Care Provider Alliance is an informal body with a rotating chair. Membership is of the representative associations with a national membership across the whole of England. However, some CPA members also represent services in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Together our members provide care and support to 1.2 million people through residential, home-based and community services, whether commissioned by local authorities and the NHS or privately purchased. Together our members employ over 620,000 care workers.
Our members’ services include residential and nursing care, homecare, supported living and extra care housing, shared lives schemes, advocacy and telephone helplines. They support children, adults of working age and older people.
For more information on the Care Provider Alliance visit https://careprovideralliance.org.uk/about-us
Contact§
E-mail: media@homecareassociation.org.uk
Telephone: 020 8661 8160
Mobile: 07393012113