Allow care workers to access 5-year ILR route like other health and care workers
Change settlement proposals so all care workers can earn settlement after 5 years like other health and care workers on Skilled Worker Visas. We believe care is skilled, essential work that helps people live safely, out of hospital, and their family to stay in work.
Signatures
547
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 547/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 547/100,000
- 26 FEB 2026Petition opened for signaturesCreated by Michelle Dumont
Background
We feel care workers should not be penalised. Care worker vacancies are estimated to be around 7% and overseas care worker recruitment has ended, while local recruitment remains difficult. Care work requires high-level communication, judgement, technical skill and compassion. Care workers work alongside nurses and other health staff but now could face a longer 15-year settlement wait. Many came to the UK expecting 5-year settlement. We believe recent proposals are unfair and risk workforce collapse. Government policy should stabilise the workforce, not drive skilled staff away.