Exclusive: Care Minister Caroline Dinenage on EU care workers' rights after Brexit

"The prospect of our departure from the EU will no doubt be at the forefront of many EU nationals’ minds who either live, train or work as part of our health and care system", writes care minister Caroline Dinenage in an exclusive opinion piece for carehome.co.uk.

"Care providers employing non-UK staff are also pausing to consider – with understandable concern – what the impact might be on their workforce and the wellbeing of those they care for.

I’ve spent enough time in my role as Minister for Care to know that one of the most important factors in delivering high quality care is continuity.

Whatever the size and scope of a care organisation, high staff turnover can not only be unsettling for residents but also lead to misunderstandings or oversights in a person’s care needs.

It can be frustrating for care workers too who, keen to establish themselves and deliver great care in their profession, feel growing concern at a perceived lack of career progression, which may lead them to look elsewhere.

I want to reassure you that gaining, retaining and maintaining the social care workforce remains a priority for the Department of Health and Social Care.

Yet as we continue to prepare for our exit from the EU, I know uncertainty about our future relationship with Europe is increasing this anxiety.

It is a fact that without the drive, dedication and professionalism of the 104,000 EU staff who currently work in the care and support sector, our social care system would not be able to function.

That’s why we want to encourage EU workers living and working in the UK to apply to the recently launched EU Settlement Scheme.

Why? Because knowing they have the right to live and work in the UK will not only provide security for EU nationals, but will give a degree of certainty to everyone who provides, delivers and dispenses care across the country.

So, if you employ EU nationals in your care home or service, please tell them to apply for the scheme – it’s easy and free. EEA and Swiss nationals and their families are able to apply, and they’ll find all the information they need on the EU Settlement Scheme on gov.uk.

For further reassurance, we’ve also brought in legislation that means EU nationals training for – or in possession of qualifications recognised under the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive (MRPQ Directive) – will continue to have their qualifications recognised after we leave the EU.

Leaving the EU does not mean leaving behind our appreciation and respect for those from beyond our borders who have made their home here – and who add so much to the health, happiness and general wellbeing of our nation.

Neglecting their needs, hopes and aspirations only compromises our own and – wherever we end up in this process - this government is determined never to let that happen."