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Migrant workers in the care sector are being exploited by employers, who are using repayment clauses to demand tens of thousands of pounds if they try to leave, leaving many trapped in appalling conditions.

Analysis of calls made to the RCN advice team shows an eight-fold increase in enquiries from nursing staff who fear they’re victims of exploitation within the social care sector – up from 12 in 2020, to 110 in 2024.

Before the general election, home secretary Yvette Cooper promised that the incoming government would launch an investigation into this via a newly established single enforcement body.

We now expect this will not be completed until at least spring 2026. This delayed process risks allowing hundreds of new people to be exploited.

This is likely to be a fraction of the true number of people facing this form of exploitation, with the majority of victims not being members of unions, or feeling too intimidated to come forward.

In a letter to the home secretary, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger urged officials in the Home Office and across government departments to launch the promised investigation now to ensure that victims are not let down by lengthy processes.

She said: “The commitment by the Labour Party was an important step in recognising the severity and urgency of this matter. In government, you have power to act and turn this promise into action.

“I urge officials in the Home Office and across government departments to launch the promised investigation now to ensure that victims are not let down by lengthy processes.”

We say greater protections are needed to allow staff to leave exploitative work situations. We’re also calling on the UK government to evaluate alternatives to the current sponsorship visa model which ties internationally recruited staff to their employer. The 60-day limit placed on staff to find new employment if they leave their role should also be extended.

Unscrupulous employers have been using repayment clauses to demand thousands of pounds from migrant care workers, leaving staff unable to leave jobs despite unacceptable conditions. One nurse told the RCN she was subject to a repayment fee of £25,000.

In the NHS, employers’ guidance establishes a maximum repayment figure of £3,000, which itself can only be claimed if the recruit leaves employment within 12 months. After 12 months, the maximum that can be reclaimed is reduced to £1,500, and after 24 months this falls again to a maximum of £750.