Purpose

There has been
significant increase in reports of exploitation since the
introduction of the Health and Care Worker Visa, including illegal
fees, forced relocation, and threats of deportation tied to visa
sponsorship.
Some cases reach the
level of modern slavery, with workers coerced into excessive hours
and denied basic rights.
Migrant workers often
remain silent due to fear of losing their visa, creating a culture
of vulnerability and isolation.
The Local Authority
has a statutory duty to ensure fair work practices under the
National Framework for Commissioning Care and Support and the Welsh
Social Partnership Model.
The Migrant Workers
Charter developed in partnership with UNISON seeks to address
previously fragmented approaches to address systemic risks; a
unified, transparent framework is required to protect workers and
uphold ethical standards and the Charter seeks to lay the
foundations to the work being undertake with adult care providers
in Cardiff.
Signing the charter
demonstrates commitment to preventing exploitation, modern slavery,
and unethical practices, aligning with Welsh legislation and UK
employment law.
The charter embeds
fair pay, transparency, and safe working conditions into
commissioning practices, ensuring dignity and respect for all care
workers.
It fosters
collaboration between Local Authorities, care providers, trade
unions, and national stakeholders, supporting the Welsh Social
Partnership Model.
By becoming the first
council in Wales to sign the Charter, the authority will lead the
way  in in ethical care commissioning,
setting a benchmark for best practice. This proactive commitment
will help safeguard vulnerable migrant workers,  strengthen compliance with legal and ethical
standards, and underline the council’s commitment  to fairness and integrity in care
commissioning.

Content

Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal interest in this
item as he supports migrant workers and their families as a
community outreach worker.
 
 
RESOLVED: that the Charter at Appendix A
– ‘Working Together to Protect Migrant Care Workers in
the Adult Social Care Sector – A Charter for Local Care
Commissioners’ be agreed, demonstrating commitment to
safeguarding vulnerable migrant workers and to ethical care
commissioning.