Question
I supported the Home Secretary’s original proposals and the tougher measures she has been taking since she came into post. I am also pleased that she made the point clearly about disqualification because of a criminal record. Has any assessment been made by the Department of how many of these care workers will remain in the care sector after the qualifying period?
Answer
The majority of visa holders who responded to the consultation were care workers, and roughly 50% of them said that once they had achieved settlement, they would look to leave the care sector. I think that that is down to a recognition that they would be able to get higher-paid jobs elsewhere. That is why colleagues across Government, including in the Department of Health and Social Care, are looking carefully at lifting standards in the care sector in such a way that people will wish to remain in the sector and we will be able to recruit other workers into the sector.20% vibes
Verdict: AMBER (48/100)
The question asked how many care visa holders are likely to stay in the sector after qualifying. The reply gives a concrete figure, that roughly half of responding visa holders, mostly care workers, said they would leave after settlement, and sets out a policy response aimed at keeping people in the sector. However, that figure reflects what respondents said they intended in a consultation, not the department's own assessment of how many will actually remain, so the core question is only partly answered. The asker would likely need to follow up for the department's own estimate.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is the department's assessment or view of how many care workers will remain in the care sector after the qualifying period? | Partially Addressed | Direct | The reply gives a concrete survey figure (roughly 50% of responding visa holders, mostly care workers, said they would leave the sector after settlement), which is relevant evidence on post-qualification retention. It then gives a view on why and a policy response (lifting standards so people stay). However, it reports stated intentions from a consultation rather than the department's assessment of how many will actually remain, so the item is only partly answered. |