RCN responds to Migration Advisory Committee
Published: 09 September 2008
Commenting on the Migration Advisory Committee report on the migrant shortages list, 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 RCN will continue to push for the Government to seriously consider the adverse impact the recommended changes will have on the care sector and in addition we would like to see all categories of nursing put back onto the shortage list. At the same time, we need to look at ways to make this rewarding career path a more attractive profession domestically.”
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Notes to Editors
The Home Office and the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), an Independent panel of economists, produced recommendations on shortage occuptations.
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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the voice of nursing across the UK and is the largest professional union of nursing staff in the world. The RCN promotes the interest of nurses and patients on a wide range of issues and helps shape healthcare policy by working closely with the UK Government and other national and international institutions, trade unions, professional bodies and voluntary organisations.