The government has released guidance aimed at helping people from overseas to work in the health and social care sectors in the UK.
Both these sectors have seen a rise in vacancies over the past year. The guidance aims to ensure ethical recruitment and is also a key part of the government’s plan to grow the health and social care workforces. Providers can also read and share this information with prospective employees.
Rising vacancy rates in health and social care
The latest NHS vacancy statistics found that the total number of vacancies in September 2022 was 133,446, a vacancy rate of 9.7%. This represented an increase from the previous year, when the number of vacancies was 103,809 and the vacancy rate 7.9%. The number of vacancies has also increased in the adult social care sector.
In its report from June 2022 on the health and social care workforce, the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee said that almost half a million extra jobs would be needed in both sectors in the early part of the 2030s.
How to apply for health and social jobs from abroad
‘Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad’ outlines the recruitment process, working rights and information for individuals to make the right decisions if they choose to work here.
It also highlights dos and don’ts to help anyone seeking employment avoid any pitfalls. The guidance also lists countries where providers can and cannot recruit from.
Key topics highlighted by the guidance:
- Check a recruitment agency is on this ethical recruiters list. Agencies on this list have signed up to act in line with the code of practice
- Do not pay any money to agencies to find work in the UK – this is illegal under UK law
- Be aware of different scams and job offers that sound too good to be true. Examples of potential scams, the warning signs, and what to check are provided in the guidance
- Support and advice available throughout the recruitment process and after an individual has started working
Further Information
Applying for health and social care jobs in the UK from abroad – GOV.UK
Read more on how to recruit ethically
Watch our Overseas Recruitment the Right Way webinar
The code of practice for the international recruitment of health and social care personnel (code of practice) sets out the approach to ensuring that international recruitment of health and social care staff is done ethically.
