On this page international care workers will find useful resources and signposting information in relation to their employment.
Support for displaced international recruits
You are considered a displaced international recruit if you have received a letter from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) stating that your sponsor (employer) has had their licence revoked. You may need to find another sponsor if you want to continue to work and stay in the UK.
What happens next?
If the revocation is upheld, you will receive a second letter from UKVI one month later. This letter will state that your Certificate of Sponsorship has been cancelled. You will then have 60 days to find new employment.
Available support
Telford and Wrekin Council have commissioned Citizens Advice Bureau Telford and Wrekin to provide pastoral support to displaced workers.
If you need further information after you receive your letter, call the UKVI Contact Centre on 0300 790 6268 and choose option 2.
Lines are open:
- Monday to Thursday (excluding bank holidays), 9.00am to 4.45pm
- Friday (excluding bank holidays), 9.00am to 4.30pm
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have produced guidance to help international recruits looking for jobs in the UK's social care sector.
This guidance includes information on:
- How to avoid scams (being taken advantage of)
- Being aware of exploitation and what to do about it
- Where to go for further guidance, support or help in the UK
You can also contact West Midlands International Recruitment Partnership for support at
Understanding your rights
Citizens Advice can provide free, independent legal advice, and you can also call their Adviceline (England) on 0800 144 8848.
Citizens Advice have also produced guidance and advice for those on a Health and Care Visa, including advice on when a carer loses their job.
Law Centres are also able to provide free legal advice.
GOV.UK's Adviser Finder has a list of regulated immigration advisers, and includes details of advisers who do not charge fees.
Care workers can also access support from trade unions and Diaspora groups or associations for advice and help. A list of organisations is available at GOV.UK.
Justice and Care are a charity working with victims of slavery and human trafficking. They have developed guidance for international workers in the care sector, which includes details of employment rights, information on labour exploitation, and how to report concerns.
Employment rights
You may want to raise concerns if you feel you:
- Have been underpaid or not received money for hours worked
- Had money taken away from your pay
- Have a contractual repayment clause in your contract
ACAS provides free, impartial advice to employees on workplace rights and rules. They can also help with dispute resolution. You can get advice from the ACAS website or call their helpline on 0300 123 1100. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Support to access benefits
A person with no recourse to public funds may be able to access some benefits if they meet qualifying requirements.
The No Recourse to Public Funds Network have developed a tool to help work out when further housing and financial support is available.
A list of food banks is available through Trussell.
Support if you now do not have any accommodation
You can raise concerns if your previous employer or sponsor provided your accommodation. Seek advice on your rights and tenancy agreement from Citizens Advice or Shelter.
If you find yourself homeless or threatened with homelessness, you can call the Housing Solutions Team on 01952 381925 for advice and guidance.
Support to access a computer
Local libraries offer IT facilities for public use. Library staff are happy to assist where they can or signpost to other local services where more help may be available. Here are details of libraries in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.
Support if you feel you have suffered abuse
Your employer could have taken advantage of you if you:
- Had your wages withheld, excessive deductions from wages, received pay below the National Living Wage, or were underpaid for hours worked
- Worked excessively long hours
- Were made to pay excessive fees or excessive repayment clauses
- Received threats to your immigration status if you failed to comply or refused to work extra hours.
- Suffered physical abuse, harassment, or violence
If you're a victim of labour exploitation, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or file a report online.
Help to search for a job
There are two international employment organisations which focus on the recruitment of displaced overseas workers in adult social care:
Their specialist teams will provide you with the necessary assistance in finding an alternative sponsor and can guide you through the employment process step by step.
As well as their job matching support, you can use www.adultsocialcare.co.uk to find roles in your local area. The website also offers support on writing and updating a CV and advice on interviews.
A register of licensed sponsor holders is available on GOV.UK.
Further local resources include Enable Supported Employment Services, based in Shropshire, who work directly with job seekers and employers to find the right job for the right person and The Job Box at Telford & Wrekin Council which supports residents of all ages in Telford & Wrekin to find work.
CV and interview support
There are charitable and volunteer organisations across England who can support with clothing for interviews, as well as help to prepare for interviews. Support available in each area will vary. You may need a referral from your local council or agency as well as proof of an interview.
The National Careers Service have online resources to support with writing CVs, preparing cover letters, completing applications, and preparing for interviews.
Timpson offer a free dry-cleaning service for those attending interviews. The service is available across all 500 stores.
If you want to leave the UK
You may choose to leave the UK voluntarily. If you don't have the means to do this, you may be eligible for support from the Home Office to leave the UK.
If you're considering whether to return to your country of origin, get legal advice from an immigration adviser so you're clear about the implications. Contact your local council who will help you.
Further resources
Immigration Law Practitioners' Association