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
Citizens Advice Bureau Telford and Wrekin is providing free, impartial and confidential advice and crisis support for displaced workers in Telford and The Wrekin, Shropshire and neighbouring areas.
Reach out for support if:
• You're being paid less than the minimum rate or National Minimum Wage.
• Your employer is deducting money unfairly or without your agreement.
• You've been asked to pay sponsor fees (e.g., licence, certificate, immigration skills charge).
• A recruitment agency charged you fees for finding a job (UK-based agencies can't do this).
• You're working too many hours or not getting the hours promised in your contract.
• You're not receiving sick pay or holiday pay when entitled.
• You're experiencing discrimination at work.
• There was no job when you arrived in the UK (possible scam).
• You want to leave your job but are unsure about your rights or visa implications.
• You need help finding a new sponsor or updating your visa.
You may count as being displaced if you're still employed but facing exploitation, such as:
• Being paid irregularly, very little or nothing
• Owing money to your employer
• Being forced to work long hours or live in poor conditions
• Facing bullying or threats at work
If you are struggling with finances, Citizens Advice Telford and The Wrekin may be able to provide some crisis support. We can also advise you about tenancy and housing problems, debts and arrears, bills and any other confidential matter.
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 contact West Midlands International Recruitment Partnership for support – please visit www.revoked.support and enter some details. All requests for support received are sent via Telford & Wrekin Council to Citizens Advice, who can offer pastoral support for the whole of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
International care workers seeking guidance and support are also encouraged to visit the West Midlands Social Care International Recruitment Hub at https://irwestmids.co.uk/international-care-workers/ for dedicated support and signposting to additional advice. This includes:
- West Midlands Legal & HR Support
If you feel you need specialist Legal or Human Resources advice, the West Midlands International Recruitment Programme can offer you a FREE 30-minute consultation with a legal or HR specialist.
Find out more: www.irwestmids.co.uk/hr-legal-services-and-support/
- My UK Life – CV building, learn about your community, access support and much more
My UK Life is a self-serve platform that is designed to support international care workers. From CV tips and training to health and wellbeing support and connecting with local communities, the virtual coaches are there to guide you every step of the way.
Find out more: https://ai.myuk.life/wm/
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.
If you feel you need specialist Legal or Human Resources advice, the West Midlands International Recruitment Programme can offer you a FREE 30-minute consultation with a legal or HR specialist.
Find out more: www.irwestmids.co.uk/hr-legal-services-and-support/
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.
You can also register for My UK Life, a self-serve platform designed to support international care workers living in the West Midlands. The platform provides CV tips and also signposts you to training, financial tools, discount schemes, information on NHS services, mental health support, local wellbeing resources and helpful organisations – especially useful if you're facing challenges or need extra support.
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.
For international care workers who are displaced due to their employers license revocation they should register with the West Midlands mailbox for support in the first instance. Once registered for support legal help can be requested if required.
For additional information visit WM Social Care.
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.
Safeguarding & wellbeing directory
Access support services, report concerns, and find guidance to stay safe at work.
Find out more here.
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