“These workers came here to care for some of this country’s most vulnerable young people. Now they’ve lost their jobs and face an uncertain future through no fault of their own.”
UNISON have released the following press release following the dismissal of over 50 migrant care workers in Surrey.
The dismissal of more than 50 migrant care workers at a Surrey-based charity shows visa protections are needed urgently.
Staff at Young Epilepsy, which supports under-25s with the condition, lost their jobs after the Home Office revoked the charity’s licence to sponsor overseas workers.
UNISON says the 53 staff face an uncertain future after being told by email they were to be sacked. The workers could now be deported if they’re unable to find another employer to sponsor their visas.
The case coincides with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s announcement of a series of proposed immigration reforms this week. These included dropping plans to make overseas care staff already living in the UK wait longer before they are able to apply to settle.
Although this decision was welcome, says UNISON, the reforms fail to address the insecurity and exploitation faced by migrant workers.
The union is calling on the government to replace employer-sponsored visas with a sector-wide system through its Fair Visa Campaign. Overseas workers could then move between employers within the care sector without jeopardising their immigration status.
Young Epilepsy had previously reported historic breaches of its sponsorship duties to the Home Office. These included failures to update visa records following staff promotions, changes of address and discrepancies in salary information.
In light of these issues, UNISON and other unions asked the charity to provide staff with additional financial assistance and access to specialist immigration advice.
However, the charity refused and subsequently dismissed the workers who received pay to cover their notice period, but no further compensation.
UNISON South East regional secretary Jo Galloway said: “These workers came here to care for some of this country’s most vulnerable young people. Now they’ve lost their jobs and face an uncertain future through no fault of their own.
“Young Epilepsy should have done more to support them. But the bigger problem is a visa system that gives employers too much power over people’s lives. The government must introduce sector-wide visas, so workers aren’t punished when things go wrong.”
UNISON Surrey branch co-secretary Emmett Stephens-Ducros said: “These dedicated staff have done nothing wrong. Yet they now face the frightening prospect of having to leave the country. No worker should have their livelihood and future turned upside by an exploitative system.”
- You can follow UNISON on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.
- This article was originally published by UNISON on 4 November 2026.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles here and internationally, please donate here or become a supporter on Patreon.
