Migrants Dominate Job Growth in UK Health and Social Care Sector

In a significant trend over the past five years, migrants from outside the European Union have filled a substantial number of new jobs in the UK’s health and social care sector, according to recent analysis by HM Revenue and Customs. This sector accounted for 29 percent of the 1.5 million roles created since before the pandemic, highlighting its critical reliance on foreign labor. The data reveals that Indian and Nigerian workers have outpaced British citizens in securing these new positions as the UK labor market expanded. Specifically, since December 2019, Indian nationals have filled 488,000 jobs, while Nigerian workers have taken up 279,000 roles. In contrast, UK citizens have filled 257,000 new jobs during the same timeframe, indicating a shift in the workforce demographics within this essential sector. While the analysis underscores the growing contribution of migrant workers, it does not provide specific details regarding the types of occupations they have entered. This lack of granularity leaves questions about the distribution of roles within health and social care, which encompasses a wide range of positions from nursing to social work. The findings reflect broader changes in the UK labor market, influenced by various factors, including immigration policies and the ongoing demand for skilled workers in health and social care. As the sector continues to evolve, the role of migrant labor appears increasingly pivotal in meeting the needs of the population.