Starting 9 April 2025, new immigration and pay rules directly impact UK care workers:
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The minimum hourly rate for sponsored care roles is now £12.82/hour (or £25,000/year based on a 39-hour week) for any new visa applicants or renewals. This replaces a previous 20% salary discount for Shortage Occupation List roles.
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From 22 July 2025, care worker roles will be removed entirely from the Skilled Worker Visa route. Applicants must already hold a valid Care Worker visa by that date—or they won’t be eligible.
Even though other skilled roles now face higher thresholds—like £41,700/year for general visas—care workers remain an exception, requiring only the £25,000/year threshold.
How Pay Compares with Living Standards
At £12.82/hour, care worker pay sits just above the National Living Wage of £12.21/hour (effective April 2025) That works out to around £25,000/year at full-time hours.
By comparison:
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The Fabian Society and UNISON recommend a more realistic £13.17/hour, to match NHS Healthcare Assistant rates, costing about a £2,000 pay raise per worker.
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In Scotland, efforts are underway to raise care worker pay to at least the Real Living Wage (£12.60/hour). Care home NCHW salaries often hover around £12.21/hour—significantly lower than NHS rates (~£16.70/hour for community support roles).
Why These Reforms Matter
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The elimination of care worker sponsorship threatens international recruitment, a key source for many care providers amid chronic staff shortages.
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Without better pay and pay reforms, many UK care services risk further under-staffing and higher turnover. The Homecare Association reported that 27% of local care contracts paid less than £22.71/hour, making operations unsustainable.
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The government has announced a review of long-term funding, but changes won’t take effect until 2028—leaving the sector under pressure in the meantime.
Who Stays Covered After 22 July 2025?
Only existing Care Worker Visa holders will be allowed to renew or switch jobs. New applicants or those switching into care roles after this date cannot apply for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.
That creates a narrowing pipeline—care homes must rely on existing staff or recruits from within the UK to fill roles.
What Care Providers and Workers Need to Do
For Employers:
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Review current employment offers and ensure the pay meets the £12.82/hour threshold or £25,000/year, whichever is higher.
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Communicate clearly with staff about implications for visa renewals or future eligibility.
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Monitor updates on proposed Fair Pay Agreements and sector funding pledges due in 2028.
For Care Workers (especially on visas):
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If you’re on a Care Worker Visa before 22 July 2025, you retain the right to continue and extend your stay.
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If you earn below £12.82/hour, ask your employer to review your pay—this is the new legal baseline.
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Stay informed about union campaigns requiring higher national pay (e.g. £13.17/hour).
Summary Table
| Category | Hourly Rate | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| New care worker hire | £12.82 | £25,000 |
| Recommended fair rate | £13.17 | £27,280 |
| NHS community care roles | £16.70+ | ~£31,000 |
Final Thoughts
The care sector in the UK is at a turning point. With visa sponsorship for new care workers ending on 22 July 2025 and rising pay thresholds, both employers and staff need to adapt fast. A pay baseline of £12.82/hour is better than before—but it still lags behind realistic living cost projections or alternative care roles like NHS healthcare assistants.
Care providers must review contracts, staffing plans, and recruitment strategies now. Workers should confirm their pay meets the new minimum and engage with unions or advocacy groups pushing for higher collective pay.
