Eligible employers in Scotland can now for targeted financial support to help cover the cost of hiring international displaced social care workers who are already in the UK and affected by recent immigration policy changes.
The initiative follows the UK Government’s decision to close the social care visa route for overseas workers, which has contributed to workforce shortages and recruitment challenges across the sector. Official statistics show the number of Health and Care Worker visas for Caring Personal Service Occupations granted has fallen by 88% in the year to June 2025.
To address this, the Scottish Government has invested £500,000 to assist displaced adult social care workers who have lost sponsored employment through no fault of their own. The fund aims to remove barriers to employment and help these skilled workers secure roles within Scotland’s adult social care sector.
Tom Arthur, Scottish Social Care Minister, said:
“The UK Government’s decision to end the international recruitment of care workers, without sufficient notice or any substantial consultation on the impact, has already been devastating for the care sector in Scotland. The industry is highly dependent on international workers and we greatly value the contribution made by people who settle and work in our communities.
“The impact of the UK Government’s measures will exacerbate existing workforce shortages across the care sector and directly undermine the ability to provide safe, dignified and consistent care to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
“Scotland has many talented and compassionate international care workers who call our country home, and through this £500,000 fund I am determined that workers be welcomed here, supporting our communities and making a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable.”
Employers can apply for support immediately, ensuring that experienced care professionals remain in the workforce and continue to provide vital services for vulnerable people.
This investment underscores Scotland’s commitment to protecting care capacity, supporting workers impacted by policy changes, and maintaining high-quality care provision for communities.
Image credit: iStock
