Commenting on the second reading of the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill, UNISON assistant general secretary Christina McAnea today (Monday) said:

“Pushing ahead with the Immigration Bill is a triumph of bloody-mindedness over common sense.

“Migrant workers are in the frontline of the fight against Covid-19 in care homes, propping up a neglected system that would collapse without them.

“Hundreds of thousands of care jobs are unfilled, yet the government is intent on cutting off a source of skilled workers just when the UK needs them the most.

“The pandemic has taught us that low pay doesn’t mean low-skilled. Out of touch ministers measuring value only in pounds and pence – and decreeing that those earning less than £25,600 can’t contribute – clearly have never been to a care home.

“Migrant workers have proved themselves vital to the country time and time again. To slam the door in their faces now is shameful.”