A Guardian investigation in May 2024 reveals human rights abuses experienced by migrant care workers in the UK.

Over 30 workers from India, employed by 11 different care providers, alleged numerous human rights violations, including:

• Paying between GBP 8000 to GPB 20,000 in recruitment charges for care jobs in the UK under promised conditions of employment that did not materialise after arrival.
• Living in unsuitable conditions, including sharing rooms and beds with other migrant workers.
• Being forced to use food banks to make ends meet.
• Struggling to complain amid retaliatory threats from care agencies, including threats of deportation and threats to families back home.

Workers sponsored by Sheffield based care company, Flamelily Care (trading as Civility Care), paid thousands in recruitment charges to Indian-based recruiters working with UK based agencies, including London Radiant Group and British Group. The director of British Group responded to The Guardian, sating payments were made for “family onboarding”, and London Radiant Group said it helped overseas companies with onboarding and hence charged fees. Workers were then provided cleaning or driving jobs upon arrival, instead of care jobs. Flamelily Care denied the allegations and said it was committed to upholding the welfare and rights of all employees.

In another case, care workers sponsored by Homecare1st experienced abusive working conditions, including conditions different to those promised, arbitrary dismissal, recruitment charging, and payment below the minimum wage. The company responded to journalists, saying employees were aware of channels to raise concerns, and that none were raised.

Following the investigation, The Royal College of Nursing has written an open letter to three major national political parties demanding an enquiry into migrant care worker abuse.