Scotland's Care Worker Scheme Recruits Over 100 Staff Amid UK Visa Restrictions

The Scottish Government's Adult Social Care Displaced Workers Scheme has helped employers recruit over 100 care workers since its inception.

The scheme, which was launched with a £500,000 investment to fund tailored offers for displaced international care workers, has already seen 37 employers bring in new staff. The move comes as the Scottish Government announced plans to increase the adult social care workforce by up to 45,000 extra hours per month.

The scheme's reopening of applications aims to allow more care workers to come to Scotland, filling unfilled vacancies and addressing the challenges faced by the adult social care sector. First Minister John Swinney highlighted the impact of UK visa restrictions on the sector, urging the Prime Minister to reconsider and reverse the harm done.

Swinney emphasized that meaningful reform requires a workforce to deliver it, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear first-hand about the positive impact of the scheme. He met with workers recruited through the scheme at The Bughties care home in Dundee, where he witnessed firsthand the difference being made by the initiative.