Bridging the Gap: How Employers and Displaced Care Workers Can Find Each Other
- Christopher Dias
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The adult social care (ASC) sector in England has long relied on the dedication of international workers, many of whom arrive on Health and Care Worker visas to fill critical roles. However, when an employer’s sponsor licence is revoked, these workers can find themselves in a precarious position, facing the loss of their job and legal right to remain in the UK. At the same time, care providers across the country are eager to recruit skilled and experienced staff to meet growing demand. A vital piece of the puzzle has now been introduced to connect these two groups: the government’s regional support offer for international ASC workers, detailed in a recent publication on 13 March 2025. This initiative, linked to the latest updates in the immigration rules, provides a practical solution for both employers and displaced care workers to forge lasting working relationships.
The Challenge: Sponsor Licence Revocation
For international care workers in England, a revoked sponsor licence can be a devastating blow. When an employer loses their licence, whether due to non-compliance with Home Office rules, business changes, or other factors, the workers they sponsor are left with limited time to secure new employment. Typically, they have just 60 days to find a new sponsor and apply for a visa extension, or they must leave the UK. This sudden upheaval disrupts their lives and livelihoods, despite their skills and commitment to the care sector.
On the flip side, employers in the ASC sector are grappling with persistent staff shortages. Recruiting from overseas has been a lifeline, but the process of obtaining a sponsor licence, issuing Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS), and navigating immigration rules can be daunting and time-consuming. Many providers may not realise that a pool of experienced, locally available care workers, those displaced by licence revocations, could be the answer to their staffing needs.
The Missing Piece: Regional Support Offer
The government’s support offer, outlined in the document Support Offer to International ASC Workers Whose Employer’s Sponsor Licence Has Been Revoked, bridges this gap. Published on 13 March 2025 and tied to the 2024-2025 international recruitment regional fund, this initiative allocates £16 million to regional partnerships across England. These partnerships are tasked with helping displaced international care workers understand their rights, find new employers, and transition smoothly into new roles. Crucially, the scheme also encourages ASC providers to tap into this ready-made workforce before looking overseas.
This support offer is the missing link from the latest immigration rule updates, which have tightened regulations around care worker sponsorship (for example, requiring sponsors to be Care Quality Commission-registered and banning dependants for some roles). While these changes aim to curb exploitation and ensure quality, they have left some workers stranded and employers hesitant. The regional support framework steps in to align the needs of both groups, creating a win-win scenario.
For Employers: A Streamlined Recruitment Solution
If you are an ASC employer in England looking to hire care workers or senior care workers, this support offer is a game-changer. Here is why:
Access to Pre-Vetted Talent: Displaced international care workers are already in the UK, trained, and experienced in the sector. Many hold Health and Care Worker visas, meaning they are legally entitled to work in care roles and familiar with UK standards.
Faster Recruitment: Hiring from this pool skips the lengthy process of overseas recruitment. Regional partnerships can connect you directly with workers seeking new sponsors, and applications for licences or CoS can be expedited free of charge for these hires.
Support and Guidance: Each region has a dedicated contact point (listed in the government document) where employers can seek assistance. Whether you are a small care home or a large provider, these partnerships can guide you on recruiting displaced workers and ensuring compliance with immigration rules.
Cost-Effective: With £16 million backing the initiative, regional support is designed to reduce the burden on employers. You can fill vacancies without the added expense of international travel or agency fees.
To get started, contact your regional partnership using the details provided in the document. They will help you identify suitable candidates and navigate the sponsorship process, ensuring your organisation benefits from a skilled workforce without delay.
For Care Workers: A Lifeline to Stability
If you are an international care worker whose sponsor has lost their licence, this support offer is your pathway to security. Here is how it can help:
Finding a New Sponsor: Regional partnerships prioritise workers affected by licence revocations, offering tailored support to connect you with employers who need your skills. You will not have to start from scratch or leave the country.
Understanding Your Rights: The initiative provides clear information on your visa status and options. Within your 60-day grace period, you can work with your regional contact to secure a new job and maintain your legal right to stay in the UK.
Regional Contact Points: The government document lists specific email addresses for each region in England (for example, North East, London, South West). Reach out to your local partnership for immediate assistance; they are there to help you transition quickly.
Avoiding Exploitation: Beyond job placement, the support includes advice on staying safe from scams and reporting unethical employers. You can also access resources from organisations like Acas (0300 123 1100) for free workplace advice.
If your sponsor’s licence has been revoked, do not wait; contact your regional partnership today. They will match you with employers eager to sponsor you, helping you continue your career in care.
A Lasting Partnership
The beauty of this support offer lies in its simplicity: it unites two groups with complementary needs. Employers gain a reliable workforce without the complexities of overseas hiring, while care workers secure stability and the chance to keep contributing to England’s care system. By leveraging the £16 million regional fund, this initiative ensures that both sides can thrive.
For employers, it is a call to act; reach out to your regional partnership and tap into this talent pool. For care workers, it is a lifeline; use the support to find a new sponsor and stay in the sector you have committed to. Together, you can turn a challenging situation into a lasting, mutually beneficial working relationship.
For more details, visit the full document on the website and take the first step today. The puzzle pieces are in place; now it is time to connect them.
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