Scottish Care publishes Immigration Survey Findings
A recent survey by Scottish Care has revealed the critical reliance of Scotland’s social care sector on international workers and paints a stark picture of the potential consequences if their recruitment were to cease.
Conducted between May 15th and 19th, 2025, the survey gathered insights from 225 social care organisations across Scotland, representing services including care homes, care at home, and housing support. These organisations collectively provide support to over 46,000 individuals and employ more than 43,000 staff.
The findings demonstrate the significant role international workers play:
- Participating organisations employ at least 11,294 international staff.
- International staff making up an average of 32% of responding organisations’ workforce.
- 7% of organisations report that international workers represent over 90% of their staff, and a further 14% rely on them for over 75% of their workforce.
- A significant proportion – nearly 7,000 international workers in these organisations – are currently working on a visa.
When asked about the anticipated impact of ending international recruitment, the responses were overwhelmingly negative. Providers repeatedly highlighted the severe challenge of recruiting local staff, with many stating they struggle to find Scottish or British nationals willing to work in care. This makes international recruitment essential for filling vacancies.
The predicted consequences are wide-ranging and severe:
- Staffing Crisis: Without international workers, providers expect significant shortages, making it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain safe staffing levels.
- Financial Strain: A heavy reliance on expensive agency staff to cover shifts is predicted, threatening the financial viability of services and potentially leading to closures. Some providers warned their service could close “within a matter of months”.
- Impact on Care Quality: Concerns were raised that staffing pressures would compromise the quality and continuity of care provided to vulnerable individuals. International workers were praised for their reliability, work ethic, and respectful approach.
- Rural Challenges: Services in remote areas are expected to face particular difficulties in finding alternative staff.
- Systemic Crisis: The domestic workforce is widely seen as insufficient to meet current demand, meaning restricting international recruitment would push the entire sector deeper into crisis.
Overall, the survey findings present a clear message: the Scottish social care sector is significantly dependent on international workers. Ending their recruitment would not only create immediate staffing and financial challenges but could also fundamentally threaten the ability to provide essential care services across Scotland.
A full survey results briefing is available here.
