ECCA
PRESS RELEASE

10 August 2007

SENIOR CARER WORK PERMITS

The English Community Care Association (ECCA), the leading representative body for independent care homes, has met with the National Care Association and the Registered Nursing Homes Association.

The three associations said:

“We, as members of the Work Permits Healthcare Sector Panel, are extremely concerned that the Panel has been sidestepped in the review of policy on the issuing of work permits for senior carers.  The overall poor communication with the care home sector has resulted in a good deal of mis-information and rumours and we are still awaiting guidance from the Border and Immigration Agency to issue to our members”.

“We remain in regular touch with the Agency in order to obtain a definitive statement both on new work permits and extensions for existing senior carers.  We believe the abrupt change of direction in reducing the work permits given has caused hardship to individual staff and has disrupted resident care.  If any member is concerned they should contact their association for advice.  Each association has written to the Minister responsible, Liam Byrne”.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

• ECCA works to ensure that care services are commissioned fairly, efficiently and on a properly funded basis, to meet the true costs of providing appropriate care
• Contact ECCA press on 020 7220 9595 or email maria.patterson@ecca.org.uk
• Visit www.ecca.org.uk

Contact: 020 7220 9595 or 07952 728247 (out of hours)