The last few months have seen plenty of upheavals, confusion and concern over the subject of care staff and homes. Following record staff shortages, Britain made another record with the number of international nurses recruited in the last financial year. The trouble isn’t over, though, unfortunately, as approximately 10% of these new nurses are coming from “red-list” countries where active recruitment is discouraged.

With the private care sector floundering in the newly added-to quagmire, private care is becoming increasingly valuable. In this blog, Four Oaks Healthcare is delving into the recent recruitment practices, the effect it’s having on red-list countries, and how private care organisations are fairing through it all. We’ll also look at the best options for those searching for compassionate care.

UK Care Recruitment Practices in 2023

The UK nursing register has experienced a surge in international joiners, with approximately 10% of these nurses coming from “red-list” countries where active recruitment is discouraged. For context, the World Health Organisation discourages the hiring of professionals from red-list countries because these nations are already struggling with scarcity and will be negatively affected by an exodus of their healthcare workers. Ghana, for instance, has recently expressed that it is facing a “brain drain” as healthcare staff take jobs elsewhere. Over 1,200 Ghanaian nurses joined the UK’s nursing register in 2022.

The recruitment of international nurses has helped address staffing shortages in the NHS, which was primarily caused by a decline in EU staff due to Brexit. In the past financial year, almost half of the 52 000+ nurses, midwives, and nursing associates who joined the Nursing and Midwifery Council register were internationally educated. Nigeria, which is on the WHO’s safeguards list, contributed nearly 3,500 nurses. 

The largest contributors to Britain’s nursing workforce are currently India and the Philippines, which are fortunately not on the red-list.

Recruitment from Red-List Countries

Active recruitment from red-list countries is causing plenty of concern across multiple borders, as it goes against WHO guidelines and has potentially dire consequences for those nurses’ home countries. NHS Employers have advised hospital trusts and other recruiters to work exclusively with accredited agencies that do not operate in red-list countries. 

However, things get tricky here, as individuals from these countries can still apply for jobs in the UK independently. The rules do not stop individuals based in red-list countries from applying for jobs in Britain. So, while an agency may not actively recruit them, community links to people already in the country might mean people apply more from certain countries.

Concerns for the Future

The reliance on foreign nurses, particularly from India and the Philippines, has raised concerns about the sustainability of the NHS workforce. Currently, international recruits make up two-thirds of all new hires, while UK-trained nurse numbers dwindle. Officials warn that the over-reliance on international recruitment is not sustainable, and there is a need to invest in training nurses in the UK.

The NHS is facing a workforce crisis, with approximately 154,000 fewer full-time staff than are needed. This number could grow to 571,000 by 2036, according to the NHS. However, experts are not encouraging more and more recruitment outside of the UK. Instead, the Royal College of Nursing emphasises the importance of investing in education and training domestically to address severe staff shortages.

This is because, while international recruitment has provided a quick fix for the nursing workforce shortages in the short term, there is a need to focus on training and recruiting more nurses within the UK to achieve a sustainable healthcare system.

How the Staffing Shortages Affect Private Care

In the span of one year, almost 200 care homes closed their doors, even while demand increased. The reason given was the staffing shortage, as well as the cost-of-living crisis, which has seen utility bills skyrocket. 

Now, thousands of our vulnerable citizens are suffering inadequate care as previously good care homes either close their doors or are forced to offer substandard care. This is all making the need for private, compassionate care options greater and greater. 

While paying for private care may be a concern, it is a fantastic option in the UK’s current circumstances. Live-in care, which Four Oaks Healthcare offers across the country, allows individuals to stay in their homes while receiving expert care. 

Our Birmingham, Cambridge and Cardiff carers offer a great alternative to the overflowing care homes in this area. If you would like to know more about our care services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us or call us on 0333 772 0156. We know that this is a challenging time for many of our vulnerable residents and their loved ones, and we are eager to assist where we can.