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Blog, Homecare/Healthcare, Jobs for Nurses

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

At Servisource, we strive to keep healthcare workers updated with the latest information. Back in December 2023, the UK government revealed adjustments to the immigration system, and it has been revealed that these adjustments are set to be enacted in March and April 2024. The timeline for implementation of these changes to the UK’s immigration policy and what these changes entail are outlined below as well as how they will impact international recruits across NHS trusts.

Did You Know?

Figures published in November, state that health and care visas were the most common type of work visa on which dependants came to the UK, adding that this was driving the increase in immigration of those on work dependant visas.

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

What will these changes entail?

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update
  • Reforms that will restrict care workers from bringing dependants and will require care providers to register with the Care Quality Commission if they are sponsoring migrants.
  • The laying of Immigration Rules, which will include the removal of the 20% going rate discount for occupations on the Shortage Occupation List.
  • A new increase to the minimum salary required for those arriving on the Skilled Worker visa, from £26,200 to £38,700, on 4 April. This will impact trusts that employ overseas staff in non-clinical roles, such as IT or finance. Those coming to the UK via the Health and Care Visa route and those on national pay skills will be exempt from this specific threshold. 
  • Increasing the minimum income requirement threshold in stages for family visas, starting at £29,000 from 11 April.

Below is a description of how these changes will impact various international staff across the NHS and social care.

Health and Care Visas:

  • Applies to those on a Health and Care Visa (such as nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, etc). A list of applicable roles can be found on GOV.UK. 
  • The Health and Care Visa is a sub-type of the Skilled Worker Visa. During the application process, candidates will be asked if they are applying for a Health and Care Visa and will need to select yes. 
  • The increased salary threshold does not apply. Recruitment to these roles can continue as normal (i.e. at least £20,960 or the national pay scale for the role). 
  • They will continue to be exempt from the IHS. 
  • They can still bring dependants to the UK as part of their visa. Dependents have a generic right to work meaning that they can be employed by the NHS, in another sector or not work. 
  • Only CQC-registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants, of which trusts are already registered. These changes do not affect the NHS.
  • Dependants of those on a Health and Care Visa can be employed by a trust at any role regardless of skill level or salary threshold, as long as the main visa holder meets the appropriate pay scale (as is the current case). 
  • For applications made on/after 11 March 2024, care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) under the Health and Care Visa will not be able to bring dependants as part of their visa application. 

The Government advises that while it is determined to reduce net migration, it understands the importance of internationally educated health and care workers. The measures will crack down on rising migration, help curb the abuse of the Health and Care visa route and ensure British labour is not undercut by overseas workers. 

When will these changes be implemented?

Nurses and Care Workers Immigration Policy Update

The changes to care workers and senior care workers will be implemented on 11 March 2024. From this date care workers (SOC 6145) and senior care workers (SOC 6146) will be unable to bring dependents when they migrate to the UK, and only CQC-registered providers in England will be able to sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. These changes do not affect those employed on a Health and Care visa on other occupation codes (SOCs).

The changes to salary thresholds for Skilled Workers will be introduced via Immigration Rules with implementation in April 2024.

The increase of the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase to £1,035 on 6 February 2024.

International Recruitment at Servisource

Our team recruit Nurses and Care Workers across all disciplines from around the world.
We manage all aspects of the recruitment process including interview scheduling, compliance checks, and even welcome international candidates by meeting them at the airport.
Servisource operate regionally, nationally and globally, providing access to the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place.

The forthcoming changes to the UK’s immigration system signify a pivotal moment for international recruitment within NHS trusts. Until these adjustments are put forward in March and April 2024, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the potential impact on employment and visa procedures for overseas workers. By staying vigilant and proactive in navigating these developments, we can ensure the continued strength and effectiveness of healthcare services across the UK.

Please continue to check the NHS Employers and GOV.UK websites for the latest updates and information.

Are you interested in finding out more about our recruitment services?

Contact Our Team Today

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Blog, Career Guidance, Jobs for Nurses, News

New Immigration Rules Introduced by the UK Government

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

New Immigration Rules Introduced by the UK Government

On 4 December 2023, new immigration rules were introduced by the UK government. These changes to the immigration system will take effect from Spring 2024.

The upcoming changes to the Health and Care Visa route will specifically impact the care sector in the UK. Under these changes, care workers and senior care workers will no longer be allowed to bring their dependents when moving to the UK, and only CQC-registered providers in England can sponsor Health and Care Visa applicants. It’s important to note that these changes do not apply to the NHS. There are no changes to the policy on dependants for NHS staff. They will be able to bring partners and childrens as dependants if eligible.  A dependant partner or child is any of the following:

  • A husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner.
  • A child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during your stay.
  • A child over 18 currently in the UK as a dependant.

Evidence of the relationship to the dependant needs to be provided when applying for the visa. Workers and dependants account for some of the highest proportion of visas being issued.

Did You Know?

Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas account for 63% of work grants, and the proportion of work-related visas being granted to dependants rose to 43% in the year ending September 2023.  

The Health and Care Visa route will not be affected by changes to salary thresholds and will still exempt holders from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The government plans to review the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and Graduate Visa route. While the government aims to reduce net migration, it acknowledges the importance of internationally educated health and care workers.

The measures announced are possible because the government is prioritising growing the domestic workforce through the Back to Work Plan – a package of employment-focused support that will help people stay healthy, get off benefits and move into work.

International Recruitment at Servisource

Our team recruits Nurses across all disciplines and Allied Healthcare Professionals from across the world. We manage all aspects of the recruitment process including interview scheduling, compliance checks, and even welcome international candidates by meeting them at the airport.
We operate regionally, nationally and globally, providing access to the right people with the right skills and knowledge in the right place.

As the government makes changes to immigration policies, the Health and Care Visa remains a distinct and important route for healthcare professionals. While some aspects are evolving, such as the review of occupation lists and graduate visas, it’s reassuring that key benefits like exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge persist.

These changes may raise many questions, especially for internationally educated staff and those involved in recruitment. By regularly checking Servisource’s latest blogs, professionals can receive the most up-to-date information and guidance in this evolving landscape.

Are you interested in our Permanent Recruitment Services?

Contact Our Team Today

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Blog, Homecare/Healthcare, Jobs for Nurses, News

The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

The Nursing and Midwifery Council and Supporting Information

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), an independent regulator, focuses on nurses, midwives, and nursing associates in the UK and England. Their purpose is to make sure that the practices of nursing and midwifery are secure, effective, and compassionate. They oversee and monitor these professions and the public, to ensure their well-being.

As Servisource stated in our previous blog, The NMC Announce Employers Can Provide Supporting Information For English Language Proficiency, this process is discussed in more detail in the following blog, allowing more high-quality professionals to join the register, helping to provide better care to the public.

SIFE is additional supporting information from an employer that certain applicants to the NMC register can provide as part of their evidence that they meet the NMC’s English language requirements.

As of 27 May 2023, all prospective applicants who haven’t yet submitted their NMC Online applications can now use SIFE via the NMC Online application process.

In September 2022, their Council agreed that SIFE could be used as additional supporting evidence of English language competence, for those people who have been working for 12 months (or FTE equivalent if working part-time) in non-registered practice in a health and social care setting in the UK.

Applicants trained in English in a country where English is not the majority spoken language can use SIFE to evidence listening and speaking competence, demonstrating their ability to interact clinically in English with people who use services, their families, carers, and other healthcare professionals.

Which applicants can provide this supporting information?

Those people who have working for 12 months (or FTE equivalent if working part-time) in non-registered practice in a health and social care setting in the UK and who either:

  • Trained in English but in a country where English is not the majority spoken language, as evidence of their clinical interaction skills. They will still need to provide evidence that their training and assessment was in English.
  • Missed the required score by 0.5 (IELTS) or half a grade (OET) on one of the four language domains, as long as they had exhausted all test combining options.

Applicants must have:

  • Worked in a non-registered role in a health or care setting in the UK for at least 12 months full time or full time equivalent if working part time at the point they submit their application.
  • Had an NMC registrant as their line manager.
  • Had the same line manager for at least 6 months (we will accept supporting information from up to two NMC-registered line managers to cover 12 months or full time equivalent).

Their line manager will be asked to provide information via a link to NMC online to confirm direct experience of their English language competence. Their line manager should be an NHS Band 6 (or non-NHS equivalent) or above. This information also needs be countersigned by an NMC registrant who is an NHS Band 8a (or non-NHS equivalent) or above, to confirm the process has been fair and consistent.

How to access the SIFE form?

The process is fully automated, applicants will access SIFE as part of the application process on NMC online. They will automatically send the applicant’s line managers and counter-signatories a link to provide SIFE via their NMC Online accounts, based on information the applicant provides. Servisource advises you to stay updated by visiting the NMC’s website in relation to these amendments.

At Servisource, we place International Healthcare Professionals in permanent positions across the UK in the private sector and NHS, while offering career progression within a supportive work environment. 

Our team conducted all necessary compliance, educational and police checks, and offer visa assistance and onboarding help when needed. This means each successful candidate is ready to begin work without administrative issues, and can focus on what matters most, their patients.

Are you a Healthcare Professional interested in a UK Permanent Placement?

Contact Our Team Today

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5 Tips for Finding the Right Healthcare Recruitment Agency for Your Needs

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
5 Tips for Finding the Right Healthcare Recruitment Agency for Your Needs

5 Tips for Finding the Right Healthcare Recruitment Agency for Your Needs

At Servisource, we understand that searching for the right healthcare recruitment agency can seem like a daunting task, this is why we have created 5 tips for finding the right healthcare recruitment agency for your needs. This is crucial for securing the best opportunities and it doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. With a little research and insight into what services are available, you can easily find an agency that fits both your budget and your needs.

According to the NHS Vacancy Statistics, in March 2023, a total of 112,500 vacancies were recorded across the NHS in England (40,100 were nursing vacancies and around 8,550 were doctors).

1. Research and Reputation

Through research and reputation, you will be able to filter out the recruitment agencies that are not suitable. Look for ones with a strong reputation and positive reviews from both healthcare professionals and healthcare facilities. Online platforms, social media, and professional networks can provide insights into an agency’s track record and credibility. Carefully researching potential candidates in order to identify which one will best meet your organisation’s needs is a great way to ensure that you are partnering with a reputable firm. It is important they understand what makes your organisation unique and they can tailor their strategies accordingly. Most agencies will have testimonials available on their websites showcasing what sets them apart from competitors, such as this testimonial from our Servisource website:

I’ve been using the services of Servisource for the past number of years and have always found them to be professional, responsive and easy to deal with.
-Primary Care Manager

2. Specialisation

Choose an agency that caters to unique healthcare requirements, regulations, and job roles. A specialised agency will have a better understanding of your needs and the industry as a whole. They may have connections with healthcare facilities and institutions that offer niche opportunities, whether it is in a specific medical sector, a particular type of healthcare setting (e.g., pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology, mental health), or a unique role within healthcare administration.

Agencies need to be well-aware of the specific skills, certifications, and qualifications required for each role within their niche. They can accurately assess candidates based on role-specific criteria, ensuring a higher likelihood of successful placements. Due to their focused approach, they can quickly identify suitable candidates, conduct targeted interviews, and present a shortlist of qualified individuals. This efficiency can help reduce your time-to-fill positions. At Servisource we create bespoke recruitment plans allowing our team to identify the right people for the specialist roles needed.

nurses in training with a reputable nursing agency

3. Candidate Options

Check if they have connections with reputable healthcare institutions, hospitals, clinics, and other relevant facilities that align with your organisation’s career goals. They should have a wide range of available candidates through various connections. Consider whether the agency offers candidates in the desired geographic location and whether you are looking for full-time positions to be filled or just want flexible/locum staff, either way, there’s an agency out there that’s right for you.

A reputable recruitment agency should offer a wide range of candidates across various healthcare settings to suit your needs. Servisource has developed trusted relationships with marketing specialists, overseas agencies and international networks which allows for more candidate options. This gives organisations unrivalled access to the right candidates. We recruit and place the right people quickly and efficiently using the right skills and knowledge to interview, screen and vet over 300 candidates from around the world. We understand your world; we speak your language.

4. Communication and Support

When it comes to finding a reliable recruitment agency, communication and support are key. A good agency will have transparent communication and provide personalised support throughout the recruitment process. They should be responsive to your inquiries, provide clear information about potential candidates, and offer guidance during interviews and negotiations.

By communicating effectively with potential agencies, asking important questions, and seeking out professional support from industry experts, you’ll be able to quickly find the perfect fit for your needs. Having a dedicated team or account manager is important because it keeps a good rapport and allows everyone to be on the same page. We offer a dedicated booking team at Servisource who operate extended office hours and are solely focused on supporting you with filling shifts. Meaning you have a direct line to your dedicated, trusted team who know your needs.

5. Credential Verification and Compliance

Healthcare is a highly regulated industry in the UK, with strict guidelines and standards that must be followed. The recruitment agency should be well-versed in these regulations and ensure that the healthcare professionals they place comply with all relevant laws and standards. It is vital that any recruitment agency you use promotes a standard of excellence, from credentials verification through compliance issues to job satisfaction and placement into meaningful roles.

Ensure that the agency conducts thorough credential verification and adheres to all necessary legal and regulatory requirements. Through our best-in-class compliance and ISO and JCI certifications, Servisource can give you the peace of mind knowing that our staff are fully compliant. We comply with all regulatory health & safety, quality & environmental standards, something that can make an agency more appealing than other recruitment agencies.

Servisource Tip

When interviewing the agency treat your interaction with them as a two-way interview. Ask them questions about their process, success stories, candidate retention rates, and how they match candidates to positions.
This will help you get an idea of their professionalism and commitment.

It is essential for medical professionals and recruitment agencies to find a good fit when it comes to hiring. Finding an agency that can meet your needs and can provide your organisation with the best opportunities is key. There are many different variables that go into making the right choice, from specialist services offered to communication and support. By carrying out your research, it will ensure that you have the best experience possible in finding a healthcare recruitment agency to meet your goals and expectations.

Are you looking for a reputable healthcare agency to fulfill your staffng needs?

Contact Servisource Today

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