The Royal College of Nursing says that employers are exploiting migrant workers who work in the care sector by demanding money from them if they leave.
The number of nursing staff calling the union’s advice hotline has increased eight-fold from 12 to 110.
These clauses are used by unscrupulous employers to force migrant workers to pay thousands of pounds. Many feel forced to continue working in these roles, despite the poor conditions.
One nurse informed the RCN she had to pay a fee of PS25,000. NHS employers can claim up to PS3,000 for a recruit who leaves their employment in the first 12 months. After 12 months, the amount drops to 1,500 PS and 750 PS after 24 months.
RCN stated that the number of calls made to its advice line regarding this type of abuse was likely a fraction of the actual number of victims.
RCN General Secretary Nicola Ranger emphasized that the Labour Party, before the general elections, had promised to investigate these clauses through its single enforcement entity.
This is not likely to happen until next year.
Professor Ranger stated: “The Labour Party’s commitment was an important step towards recognising and addressing the urgency of the matter. You have the power to turn this promise into reality in government.
I urge officials at the Home Office and other government departments to begin the promised investigation immediately to avoid letting victims down by long processes.
The RCN urges the government to review its current visa sponsorship system that ties international recruited staff to the employer.
The current visa rules limit the time that staff have to look for a new job if they are leaving their position. The RCN is calling for this period to be increased.
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