NHS Boss Says, Migration Rules Need Re-Think

10 Oct 2015

Simons Stevens, the NHS England chief executive, has made comments over a new pay threshold for the workers who belong to the non-European area.

It does mean that migrants would require leaving the UK after completion of 6 years if they are not earning minimum £35,000.

A re-think of immigration rules are essential because this rule does protect the ballet dancers but does not protect vital nurses belonging to a foreign origin, in England NHS said.

What he meant is, there are exemptions in place for few including ballet dancers but not the nurses.

The Royal College of Nursing warned the rules that could cause chaos for NHS and waste money for recruitment.

The union has stated that by 2017 more than 3300 NHS nurses might be affected, and it might double before the end of the decade.

In London, while speaking at the Institute of Directors annual conference, Mr. Stevens added, we have discussion nationwide as to how to get immigration right.

He further added, it is my responsibility to point out that at time when the need for nurses has been growing, when publicly funded UK nurse training places would take several number of years for expansion, and also agency costs are driving the hospital to overspend now. And presently we require joining better the dots on immigration policy as well as NHS.

Most nurses with whom I spoke undergo struggle to understand as why our immigration rules define ballet dancers a shortage occupation and not nursing.

And most hospitals have informed me that they would seriously consider deport few of their most experienced as well as committed nurses mainly because they are not earning £35,000, clearly requires a rethink.

The home office has stated, that the rules which has been introduced in order to reduce the demand for the migrant labour and has stated that it is possible for nurses might be still placed on the exemption list, where there are shortage for workers.

Even though govt has so far argued the expansion for nurse training places; it should be enough to meet demand.

The NHS employers, as well as RCN, have both welcome the comments made Mr. Stevens. 

For more information about this, please fill out Free assessment form.  One of our consultants will get back to you. For more updates follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Google+