United Workers Alliance | June 2025
When we think of care homes, we imagine safe, supportive places for our elderly loved ones — but behind closed doors, a scandal is unfolding that should concern every one of us.
An eight-month BBC investigation has uncovered shocking mistreatment of overseas workers in UK care homes — including illegal fees for visas, unsafe working conditions, and threats of deportation for speaking out. These aren’t isolated cases — they’re happening in homes across the North West, run by Lotus Care.
👉 But this isn’t just about migrant workers — it’s about the people they care for, and it’s about trust in our care system.
Workers Charged £10,000 for ‘Free’ Visas
Migrant workers — hired to support some of the UK’s most vulnerable residents — have allegedly been charged up to £10,000 for work visas that should legally cost just £284 (and be paid by the employer). Some say they were forced to pay in cash, handed over in envelopes. Others described a “climate of fear” where speaking out meant risking everything — including their home and livelihood.
“We were told if we called in sick, our visa would be revoked,” one care worker told the BBC. “It’s like torture.”
The Fallout for Families
At least five Lotus Care homes have been rated “inadequate” or “requires improvement” by the Care Quality Commission. One resident wasn’t bathed for four weeks. Another lost six stone in just six months.
This isn’t just workplace abuse — it’s public harm. When care workers are terrified, overworked, and underpaid, the people they look after suffer too. And that could be your mother, your granddad, or your partner.
Why This Matters to All of Us
Care in the UK is already at crisis point. We rely on migrant workers to keep it going — yet we’re treating them like they’re disposable. If this is how we allow essential workers to be treated, we’re not just damaging lives — we’re undermining the entire system.
Without unions, without watchdogs, and without protection — exploitation spreads. Standards fall. People get hurt.
UWA Is Taking a Stand
At United Workers Alliance, we believe no one should face abuse at work — whether you’ve lived in the UK for 40 years or arrived 40 days ago.
📣 We offer free one-to-one advice, legal support, and solidarity to anyone who needs it. Because this isn’t just a migrant worker issue — it’s a human issue. And we all deserve better.
📩 If you or someone you know works in care — or is concerned about working conditions in any sector — get in touch. We’re here to help. http://unitedworkersalliance.co.uk/join-us/
Original source: BBC News