Marvin OnumonuCardiff Council has launched a new Migrant Care Workers Charter to improve conditions for migrant care workers in adult social care.
The Charter, the first of its kind by a local authority in Wales, was developed with UNISON Cymru and input from migrant care workers.
It aims to prevent exploitation, promote fair work, and set clear expectations for ethical recruitment and pay.
The Charter responds to concerns about migrant workers whose visa status is tied to their job.
It includes commitments to ethical recruitment, action against threats of deportation, fair pay including the Real Living Wage, and a ban on illegal fees.
Care providers are expected to ensure secure hours, support flexible working, and tackle bullying and discrimination.
There will be oversight to make sure providers follow Welsh and UK employment law.
Cardiff Council Leader, Councillor Huw Thomas, said: “By signing this Charter, Cardiff Council is taking a stand against exploitation and setting a benchmark for ethical care commissioning in Wales.
“We are committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of our whole care workforce including migrant care workers, who make a valuable contribution to our communities and the economy, by meeting a significant skills gap.
“It is vital that we support those that care for our most vulnerable citizens, reducing the impact of unfair practices in the care industry and fear of exploitation.”
Thomas added: “Whilst this charter has a focus on migrant care workers, who are at particular risk of exploitation, its commitments will address fair work practice and ethical commissioning which all care workers will benefit from, ensuring they are valued, respected and protected from unfair practices.
“This is key and thanks to the work carried out by Unison colleagues, strengthens our commitment to building strong, resilient and cohesive communities.”
Councillor Leonora Thomson, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adults), said: “Migrant care workers make up a high percentage of the care workforce in the city, providing much needed services day in day out to our most vulnerable citizens, it is right therefore that Cardiff is at the forefront of work to protect their rights, demonstrating a proactive approach to upholding the highest standards of integrity, equality, and partnership working.”
Emma Richards, branch secretary at UNISON Cardiff County, said: “UNISON Cardiff County welcomes Cardiff Council becoming the first local authority in Wales to sign the Migrant Care Workers Charter.
“Care work is essential, and staff rights must never be compromised.
“The charter sets clear standards to protect care workers, secure fair pay and uphold dignity, while challenging exploitation and coercive employment practices through strong social partnership that values and safeguards everyone working in care.”
Mark Turner, head of social care at UNISON Cymru, said: “Migrant care workers are essential to keeping adult social care running, supporting older and disabled people every day in their own homes and communities.
“Too often, those workers face insecurity, pay below the minimum wage and other exploitative conditions, including a constant fear that speaking out could cost them their jobs and therefore their visa. In such conditions, modern slavery and labour exploitation is sadly a real feature of some areas of care in the UK.
“This charter is an important step in setting clear expectations for ethical recruitment, fair treatment and decent working conditions.”
Turner added: “When care workers are treated with dignity and respect, services are more stable and the people who rely on care get the support they deserve.”
Cardiff Council’s Cabinet is set to consider the recommendations on 22nd January.
The agenda will be available online and the meeting will be webcast.
The report is due to be scrutinised by the Community and Adults Services Scrutiny Committee on 19th January.
