The government has been urged to scrap new visa rules for migrant care workers announced this month.

In a letter to health and social care secretary Victoria Atkins, UNISON and the National Care Forum warn the plans, which include a ban on worker dependants, will have a “devastating impact” on the sector.

The letter says: “These announcements appear to have been made without proper planning, consultation or information, resulting in ministers giving contradictory and confusing explanations.” 

Home secretary James Cleverly is criticised over his comments that overseas staff are displacing UK workers from care jobs. 

The letter states: “This attempt to justify the visa policy is patently untrue.” 

Atkins came under fire from sector leaders earlier this month after she told the Health and Social Care Committee that the sector was “broadly relaxed” about the changes.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Overseas carers have been treated appallingly by ministers. Many sold everything to fund their move to the UK. Now migrants are essentially being told they’re no longer welcome.

 “To make matters worse, all this happened without a word to anyone in the care sector. Social care requires a major fix, but this is certainly not it. Without migrant staff, care homes could close and support disappear for the vulnerable living in their own homes. Ministers must rethink this cruel visa plan before permanent damage is done.”  

NCF chief executive Professor Vic Rayner: “The UK government has to understand that we are part of a global care economy. Every time we make it more difficult for care workers to bring their skills and expertise to the UK, we are losing a lifeline for someone receiving care and support. 

 “The provisional local government finance settlement announced this week makes it crystal clear that there will be no additional funding to enhance the terms and conditions of the domestic workforce. Therefore, this divisive approach to vital international care workers is even more concerning.”

A government spokesperson said: “We continue to face unprecedented levels of immigration since the pandemic, which is why the prime minister and home secretary have announced a plan to curb abuse of the system and deliver the biggest ever reduction in net migration.

“This plan will ensure we can strike the right balance between ethical international recruitment, continuing to bring in workers that our care sector and NHS need, while also supporting our home grown care workforce by providing councils with almost £2 billion over two years.”