A Joint Campaign

International care workers
keep Britain running.
It's time we
stood up for them.

They care for our elderly, our disabled, our most vulnerable — through nights, weekends, and moments of profound human need. International care workers deserve recognition, security, and the full rights they have earned.

70%
of UK adult social care workers were born outside the UK
152k
care sector vacancies in England — a 9.9% vacancy rate
£3.8bn
annual cost of workforce vacancies and turnover to the sector
500+
care providers who depend on international workers for safe staffing
"
She knows every resident by name — their fears, their favourite music, what makes them laugh. She is the care system. Without workers like her, it doesn't function.
— Registered Manager, West Midlands
↓   Read on — stories, actions, and facts below
In partnership with
Voices from the Sector

What International Care
Workers Mean to Us

Real stories from providers, families, and workers across the UK. Their words say more than any statistic.

Care Provider
"
My Nigerian nurse has been with us four years. She knows every resident by name, their favourite music, their fears. She is irreplaceable. The thought of her leaving because the system makes her feel unwanted keeps me up at night.
Sarah M.
Registered Manager, West Midlands
Family Member
"
The carer from Zimbabwe who looks after my mother with dementia has given our whole family peace of mind. She doesn't just do the job — she treats Mum with a dignity and patience I can't even describe.
James T.
Son of care home resident, Bristol
Care Worker
"
I came to the UK to build a life and to care. I've given everything to this work. But the constant uncertainty — not knowing if I can stay, if my family can stay — it takes a toll no one sees.
Priya K.
Senior Care Worker, London

Share Your Story

Tell us what international care workers mean to you, your family, or your organisation. Stories may be shared as part of this campaign — please indicate your preference below.

Stories may be lightly edited for length. By submitting you agree to our privacy policy.

✓ Thank you — your story has been received. Our team will be in touch.
Take Action

Contact Your MP

The most effective thing any of us can do is write to our elected representative. MPs count every letter from a constituent — it takes five minutes and it works.

1

Find your MP

Visit members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP and enter your postcode to get your MP's name and contact details.

2

Write to them — use our template

Personalise the message with your own experience. A personal email carries far more weight than a form submission.

Email Template — Copy & Personalise
Dear [MP's Name], I am writing as your constituent to urge you to stand up for international care workers in our community. International care workers are the backbone of Britain's care system. They work nights, weekends, and through conditions few others would accept — caring for our elderly, our disabled, and our most vulnerable people with compassion and skill. Yet these workers face ongoing insecurity: uncertain immigration status, limited rights, and policies that treat their presence as temporary rather than essential. I ask you to raise the importance of international care workers in Parliament, oppose any proposals that would extend their path to settlement or make their position more precarious, and support fair treatment and proper recognition for the extraordinary contribution they make. Yours sincerely, [Your name and address]
3

Use WriteToThem

The simplest option — visit writetothem.com, enter your postcode, and send a message to your MP in minutes.

4

Sign the petition

Add your voice to the parliamentary petition calling for fair treatment of care workers at petition.parliament.uk.

5

Share this page

The more people who act, the louder the message. Share this campaign with your network, colleagues, and community.

For Media & Journalists

The Facts

Evidence-based briefing for journalists, researchers, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand what's at stake.

70%
of UK adult social care workers were born outside the UK
Skills for Care, 2023/24
152,000
adult social care vacancies in England — a 9.9% vacancy rate
Skills for Care, 2023/24
£3.8bn
annual cost of workforce vacancies and turnover to the sector
The King's Fund, 2024
36%
annual staff turnover rate in adult social care — among the highest of any UK sector
Skills for Care, 2023/24
1 in 5
sponsored care workers say immigration uncertainty makes them consider leaving the UK
Lifted Survey, 1,162 respondents, 2024
165k
international care workers recruited on the Health & Care Visa since its launch in 2022
UK Visas & Immigration, 2024

Media Enquiries

For interviews, case studies, data, or expert comment, contact our press team. We can connect you with care providers, workers, policy experts, and frontline voices.

📧 Press: press@lifted.care
📧 Care Workers Charity: hello@thecareworkerscharity.org.uk
📧 Providers Unite: info@providersunite.co.uk
Download Press Pack Download Full Data

Our Core Asks

🌍Recognise the contribution of international workers through a formal care worker recognition scheme.
⚖️Fair and stable immigration policy — treat care workers as the essential workforce they are, not as temporary labour.
💷Fair pay — wages must reflect the skill, responsibility, and emotional labour of the role.
🏛️Parliamentary debate — MPs must hear and respond to the voices of care workers and those who depend on them.
🤝Sector engagement — providers, workers, and charities must have a seat at the policy table.
Join the Movement

You don't have to act alone.

Thousands of care providers, workers, families, and supporters are standing together. Join our Facebook community to share stories, get campaign updates, and organise.