Nurses working in the UK’s social care sector are facing what the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) describes as “grotesque exploitation,” according to a recent report highlighting concerning working conditions, particularly for migrant staff. The RCN’s findings are based on the experiences of 383 care workers who sought the union’s support between 2023 and 2025.

The report outlines a range of exploitative practices, including underpayment, demands for large repayments tied to visa sponsorship, alterations to agreed pay and working conditions, excessive working hours, and high exit fees. Some workers have reported repaying sums as high as £25,000 if they attempted to leave their positions before the end of their contracts. Other issues detailed in the report include overcrowded and poor-quality accommodation provided to staff, as well as illegal charges levied by some employers.

Migrant workers play a critical role in the UK’s adult social care sector, holding around 30% of all jobs in the field. The RCN warns that such exploitation puts the stability of the sector at serious risk, given its heavy reliance on this workforce.

Prof Nicola Ranger, CEO and general secretary of the RCN, emphasised the urgency of the issue, stating that the report exposes the scale of mistreatment in the social care sector, coming shortly after the Prime Minister unveiled new plans for social care reform in England. The findings have come amid a wider political focus on improving adult social care, with figures such as Andy Burnham pledging strong commitment to addressing longstanding challenges in the system.

The Department of Health and Social Care was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of publication. The report underscores ongoing concerns about labour practices in the care sector and highlights calls for regulatory and policy action to protect vulnerable staff and ensure the sustainability of care services across the UK.