Commenting on Panorama programme ‘Care Workers Under Pressure’, Royal College of Nursing Director for England, Patricia Marquis, said:
“The findings of this investigation are deeply disturbing and, tragically, far from unique. There is modern slavery operating within our care system and it needs taking out root and branch.
“Nursing staff, who come here to care for some of the most vulnerable, must be protected from this unscrupulous and exploitative behaviour. International staff are left in fear of losing their visa by employers acting in this way. In too many cases, we have represented individual staff and where people have been exploited we have even taken employers to tribunals and won. However, the nursing staff are so fearful it is extremely challenging to get them to speak out.
“Overseas staff make up a significant part of the nursing workforce in the social care sector and much more needs to be done to prevent their exploitation. While most care homes are professionally well run, there is a serious crisis in social care that leaves some of the most vulnerable people in our society at risk.
“As we head towards a general election, all political parties must show they have a plan to improve social care and to protect care users and professionals alike.”
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