Employment Support
This page supports providers to meet their responsibilities under the Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel by ensuring international recruits understand their employment rights, where to get advice, and how to raise concerns safely.
The Code of Practice
The Code of Practice sets out clear requirements for how international health and social care workers must be recruited, supported, and treated once employed.
As an employer, you should:
- Read and understand the Code in full
- Ensure your recruitment, induction, and ongoing employment practices comply with its requirements
- Provide recruits with clear, accessible information before they accept a job offer and during induction
Information across this hub highlights good practice in employing and retaining international workers and supports compliance with the Code.
Trade Unions
You must provide details of relevant trade unions to international recruits as part of their induction. Trade unions can:
- Offer employment advice and representation
- Provide reassurance and advocacy
- Offer additional benefits, such as discounts and support services
Common trade unions in health and social care include:
UNISON also operates a Migrant Member Network, offering targeted advice and peer support for migrant workers.
Free Employment Advice
In addition to internal HR support, you may wish to signpost recruits to free, independent employment advice services in their local area.
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Southampton
Isle of Wight
These organisations can support workers with:
- Employment rights and contracts
- Pay and working hours
- Immigration-related employment questions
- Financial or housing advice
Raising Employment Concerns
International recruits must be told how and where to raise concerns about their employment, recruitment process, or working conditions.
You should clearly explain:
- Your internal grievance and whistleblowing procedures
- External routes for confidential reporting
Resources
Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA)
Protects vulnerable workers from exploitation.
- Telephone: 0800 432 0804
- Email: [email protected]
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate (EAS)
Regulates recruitment agencies and enforces standards in the recruitment sector.
- Telephone: 020 7215 4477 (ask for an EAS inspector)
- Email: [email protected]
- Online complaints form: complain about pay and work rights
ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
Provides advice on:
- Minimum wage
- Working hours
- Employment agency conduct
- Telephone: 0300 123 1100
- Online complaints form: complain about pay and work rights
The CQC regulates health and adult social care services in England. Workers can raise concerns about:
- Poor care
- Unsafe practices
Before contacting the CQC, staff may wish to:
- Speak to their line manager or senior staff member
- Review the employer’s whistleblowing policy
To report a concern:
- Online form: give feedback on care
- Email: [email protected]
- Telephone: 03000 616 161
Good practice for providers
- Include this information in induction packs
- Revisit it during supervision or appraisal
- Reinforce that raising concerns will not negatively impact visa status or employment
Creating a transparent and supportive employment environment helps international recruits feel safe, valued, and more likely to remain with your organisation long term.
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Southampton
Isle of Wight
Raising Employment Concerns
You should make your international recruit aware of how they can raise concerns about their employment and you may too have concerns during the recruitment of any worker.
All concerns must be reported to the appropriate authority as set out below.
Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority
The Gangmasters Labour Abuse Authority is set up to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.
Anyone can report information in confidence about an employer who may be exploiting the welfare and rights of health or social care personnel by:
- Telephone: 0800 432 0804
- E-mail: [email protected]
Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate
The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate regulates employment agencies and businesses and enforces minimum standards of conduct in the recruitment sector.
Anyone can report concerns about the conduct of a recruitment organisation, agency or collaboration based in Great Britain – including if they are charging work-finding fees or they, or someone they know, have not been paid for all hours worked – by:
- Telephone: 020 7215 4477 and ask to speak to an Employment Agency Standards (EAS) inspector.
- email: [email protected]
- Completing the online form to complain about pay and work rights
EAS has a Great Britain-wide remit – however, any concerns relating to fees or conduct of non-Great Britain-based agencies can also be reported to the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate using the contact details provided above.
ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)
ACAS provides advice on the legal minimum wage, working hours and employment agencies.
Anyone who thinks that they might be being underpaid or that their employer has unsafe working practices can report concerns in confidence by:
- Telephone: 0300 123 1100
- Completing the online form to complain about pay and work rights
Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of healthcare and adult social care services in England.
Anyone with concerns about the care being provided by their employer can report this to the CQC. Before contacting the CQC, health or social care personnel may want to:
- speak to their line manager or a senior member of staff about their concerns.
- read their employer’s whistleblowing policy, which will give them information on what to do.
- The CQC’s quick guide to whistleblowing or guidance for workers gives helpful advice on speaking out about poor care and what protection staff will have from the law.
To report a concern:
- Complete the CQC online form: give feedback on care
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Telephone: 03000 616 161
