Put nursing back on the shortage list says RCN
Published: 10 September 2008
The RCN has said that it would like to see all categories of nursing put back onto the migration shortage list. The College also says it will continue to push for the Government to seriously consider the adverse impact the recommended changes in the Migration Advisory Committee’s report on the migrant shortages list will have on the care sector.
The RCN’s comments follow the publication of the list of UK jobs likely to be open to workers from outside the European Union. The new rules are due to be implemented in late 2008. Whilst specialist nurses remain on the list, other nurses and care workers are no longer included.
Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said:
“This report has failed to take into account the disproportionate impact the recommended changes to the shortage occupation list will have on the care home sector, which has become heavily reliant on overseas nurses and care workers.
If the Government continues with its policy to move care closer to home, it is imperative that it increase the number of highly skilled carers from abroad to meet the growing needs of patients with a higher dependency moving into care homes.”
The College said it also needs to look at ways to make caring a rewarding career path a more attractive profession domestically.
The migrant shortage list will be reviewed every two years.