In recent years, UK nursing homes have faced one of the most significant recruitment challenges across the healthcare sector. Staffing shortages, exacerbated by the sector's rural locations, physically demanding work, and long shifts, have made it difficult to attract and retain care workers and nurses. Many of these homes are in affluent but remote areas where staff are often required to drive – something many potential care workers simply cannot do. 

In response, the UK has seen an influx of care staff and nurses from overseas, particularly from the African continent. This shift, largely driven by the UK's introduction of the points-based immigration system (introduced in 2021), has enabled recruiters to bring in workers who may otherwise have struggled to meet previous immigration criteria. 

International recruitment has become a lucrative business, but not all recruiters are acting in the best interests of the sector or the candidates. Every day at Ambition 24hours, we receive hundreds of applications from care assistants and nurses on work permits. Many are eager to earn, but unfortunately, many lack the experience and qualifications required to provide the high standard of care expected in the UK. It’s not uncommon to see candidates with less than six months of experience, which raises serious concerns about the quality of care being delivered. 

This influx of under-qualified candidates is largely the result of unethical recruitment practices. Many agencies are focused solely on profit, with minimal attention to the vetting and interviewing process. As a result, the UK care sector has been supplied with a workforce that, while fulfilling short-term staffing needs, may not be capable of delivering the care that residents deserve. 

Where does this leave the UK?

The sector is now grappling with the implications of poor-quality recruitment, a rising immigration debate, and dissatisfaction among domestic workers who are seeing their jobs filled by less-experienced overseas staff. You only need to glance at social media or read industry forums to understand the frustrations within the sector.

Ethical Recruitment in Nursing Homes

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) must be more vigilant, ensuring that homes are meeting the expected standards of care, and that recruitment practices - both domestic and international - are conducted ethically and responsibly. 

In the end, this situation is a ticking time bomb. Without addressing the quality and ethical standards in recruitment, the sector risks imploding, leaving both staff and residents to bear the consequences.