Our health and social care sector is built on the hard work and rich diversity of its workforce. Many of our colleagues, especially those from international backgrounds or perceived as ethnically distinct from the majority population, are facing a sustained campaign of anti-migrant rhetoric. The escalating use of hostile language allows some political parties to exploit fear and promote division and emboldens those in society who seek to intimidate. This rhetoric also comes at a time when the rights of those who live and work in the UK to continue to make the UK their home are being openly questioned, including tens of thousands of people working within the health and social care sector. People are unsettled and frightened, with some directly experiencing hate and violence at work and within their communities.

In the face of this blatant scapegoating of migrant communities, we stand united in our commitment to uphold the values of dignity, respect and equality for all individuals. As leading trade unions and professional associations within the UK, representing workers within the health and social care sector, we reject any form of discrimination and oppose all forms of racism and xenophobia.

Together we will continue to advocate for policies that promote inclusion, protect human rights, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding. We call on the media, and politicians to stop spreading misinformation for political gain and engage in evidence-based discourse around immigration.

The health and social care sector in the UK has always been reliant on the commitment and expertise of its international workforce. Figures from NHS England and Skills for Care show that in England, 776,000 workers – around a quarter of the total workforce of just over 3 million – are non-British nationals.

We affirm our solidarity with the international workforce and migrant communities, recognising their essential past and continued contribution to the NHS and wider society.

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