Care England chief executive Martin Green has spoken out in support of Labour’s proposition to curb firms from hiring overseas workers if they don’t comply with the party’s plans for training British workers.

Labour revealed last week that it has plans to improve training for UK workers in four key sectors, including health and social care.

By training Brits, the party hopes to reduce the need for international workers.

There will no doubt be those in the sector who have concerns about limits on international recruitment being introduced too soon, as health and care services are struggling more and more every year with staffing.

However, Care England’s Martin Green has spoken out in favour of the plan, saying: “Labour’s proposal for a workforce and training plan for the adult social care sector is welcome.”

He did, however, have major demands from the next government that would need to be fulfilled before the care sector could reduce its reliance on overseas staff.

Green said: “Care England has long said that in order to reduce the sector’s reliance on overseas staff, reform must be delivered that makes the sector a more attractive destination for the domestic workforce.

“This means boosted pay, terms and conditions, the chance for career progression and parity of esteem with colleagues in the NHS.

“If successful at the next general election, Labour must deliver on these priorities and engage in meaningful consultation with the adult social care sector in the production of its workforce and training plan.

“The judgement whether a sector has taken ‘sufficient steps’ to boost training and skills being at the discretion of the minister is a cause for concern.

“Social care is used as a political football, as seen recently with the government’s recent decision to ban overseas workers from bringing dependants to the UK having a detrimental impact on our sector. Care England calls for this judgement to be made by an independent body.”