Information and guidance for international workers in the care industry

This page is for people who have come to work in Solihull from overseas as care workers. It explains:

• your rights
• how sponsorship works
• where to get help if you are worried about your employment or wellbeing.

Your rights as a care worker in the UK

As a care worker, you’re protected by employment law. This applies to everyone who works in the UK.

You have the right to:

• a written employment contract
• regular payslips showing pay and any deductions
• be paid at least the legal minimum wage 
• rest breaks during your working day
• enough rest between shifts
• paid annual leave (at least 5.6 weeks per year, pro rata)
• a safe workplace

Any deductions from your pay must be:

• lawful (such as tax, National Insurance, or agreed accommodation costs)
• clearly shown on your payslip
• agreed with you, where required, before the money is deducted

Sponsorship and working in the UK

If you are working on a Health and Care Worker visa, your employer must be licensed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to sponsor you.

Your employer must:

• follow UK immigration rules and employment law
• pay you the correct salary for your role
• not charge you for sponsorship costs (for example, the cost of a sponsor licence or certificate of sponsorship)
• carry out appropriate checks and keep records as required by UK law

If these rules are not followed, the employer may face enforcement action. This could include losing their licence. 

Recruitment and changes in policy

There have been recent changes to how care workers are recruited internationally.

Before recruiting from overseas, employers must normally try to recruit care workers who:

• are already in the UK
• need a new sponsor

This is intended to:

• support workers already in the UK who have lost sponsorship
• reduce the risk of exploitation
• ensure recruitment is fair and responsible

Fair treatment and avoiding exploitation

Most employers act responsibly. However, there have been cases where international workers have not been treated fairly. 

You should be aware that you should:

• not be asked to pay for a job
• not have your passport taken from you
• not be paid less than legally required
• always be able to leave your employer (although visa changes may be required)

Getting help and support

If you are concerned about your employment or how you are being treated, you can access support.

You can:

• speak to your employer in the first instance (if you feel able to)
• contact your trade union or an advice service
• seek support from local organisations

If you are worried about exploitation, abuse or modern slavery:

• contact the Modern Slavery Helpline (call 08000 121 700)
• contact the police on 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of someone receiving care, you should contact Adult Social Care.