PRESS RELEASE

10 August 2007

Senior Carer Work Permits

The English Community Care Association (ECCA), the National Care Association and the Registered Nursing Homes Association have met concerning the issue of work permits for senior carers in independent care homes. 

The three associations said:

“We, as members of the Work Permits Healthcare Sector Panel, are extremely concerned that the Panel has been sidestepped in the review of policy on the issuing of work permits for senior carers.  The overall poor communication with the care home sector has resulted in a good deal of misinformation and rumours and we are still awaiting guidance from the Border and Immigration Agency to issue to our members”.

“We remain in regular touch with the Agency in order to obtain a definitive statement both on new work permits and extensions for existing senior carers.  We believe the abrupt change of direction in reducing the work permits given has caused hardship to individual staff and has disrupted resident care.  If any member is concerned they should contact their association for advice.  Each association has written to the Minister responsible, Liam Byrne”.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Sheila Scott OBE on 0207 831 7090