Angela Rayner Opposes 15-Year Residency Rule for Care Workers

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner reaffirmed her opposition to Home Office reforms that would extend the residency requirement for low-paid foreign care workers to 15 years before they can apply for permanent settlement. Rayner described the proposed changes as "disruptive" and "un-British," arguing that the policy unfairly penalizes workers who relocated to address skills shortages in the United Kingdom.

The policy was originally devised under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reduce net migration. It currently faces opposition from various trade unions and more than 100 Labour MPs. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed unease regarding the proposals and is considering exemptions for workers already residing in the UK.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the government is reviewing consultation responses and will make a final decision imminently. Mahmood indicated the government seeks a balance between its responsibilities to foreign workers, the recognition of inherited failures, and the needs of the domestic population.