Organisations are being invited to back calls for a review into how new UK immigration legislation will affect health and social care
Organisations are being invited to support plans for a review on how immigration changes will affect health and social care.
Brendan O’Hara MP has lodged an amendment to the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, on behalf of the ALLIANCE, Camphill Scotland, SCVO, CCPS, the Care Forum Wales, Disability Wales, Inclusion Scotland, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, Scottish Care, UNISON and our other partners across the UK.
The amendment would require the UK Government to commission an independent evaluation of the impact of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, and of the introduction of a points based immigration system, upon the health and social care sectors across the four nations of the United Kingdom.
Westminster is currently considering legislation, which if passed will end free movement of persons in UK law and make European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss citizens, and their family members, subject to UK immigration controls.
There are concerns that many health and social care workers from other European countries, and from non-European countries, would not meet the proposed income threshold under the new system, that their skills are not properly understood by those in power and that the system will act as a barrier in them applying for jobs.
The review is seen as is necessary to safeguard the interests of the many people who rely on the contribution of EU citizens and non-EU citizens to the provision of health and social care across the four nations. This includes disabled people, children and young people, older people, unpaid carers and those with long term health conditions.
Dr Neil Henery, director of Camphill Scotland, said: “Camphill is an international movement that thrives on the ability and willingness of people from across the world to move as freely as possible across international borders.
“Our international workforce provides a wonderful service to around 600 people in Scotland with learning disabilities and other support needs. The new immigration system must not put this at risk. If passed, Brendan O’Hara MP’s amendment would provide an invaluable safeguard for the health and social care sectors across the UK”.
If you would like to add your support to the amendment, contact Robert McGeachy, Camphill Scotland, at Robert@camphillscotland.org.uk, attaching your organisation’s logo by 5pm on Tuesday 16 June 2020.
