Supporting refugees into the UK care sector

The UK care sector is facing critical staff shortages, with an estimated 131,000 vacancies that employers are struggling to fill. The sector is now bracing itself for further hiring challenges with the end to overseas recruitment for care workers, which was seen as a “lifeline” for social care organisations.  

Following two successful years of collaboration, we are therefore pleased to announce our renewed strategic partnership with grant-making organisation the CareTech Foundation, which will aim to unlock potential by supporting refugees who are skilled, experienced and keen to access work in the care sector.  

Health and social care consistently ranks as one of the top sectors in which our clients aspire to work. The new three-year partnership will build on the work between our two organisations that, since 2022, has supported more than 60 Breaking Barriers’ clients to find roles in health and social care. 

From 2025-2028, Breaking Barriers and the CareTech Foundation will deliver tailored employability support, skills workshops and forge stronger connections across the care sector in the UK to create genuine pathways into meaningful employment for refugees. 

Ciara Devlin, Breaking Barriers CEO, said: “The work between Breaking Barriers and the CareTech Foundation has already been a powerful example of how two organisations with shared goals and combined expertise can drive meaningful change. We know that our clients can find security and fulfilment in the care sector but, too often, challenges are still preventing refugees from accessing the stable employment they need.  

“We share the CareTech Foundation’s commitment to addressing those challenges, and we’re really excited to see what we can achieve together over the next three years.”

Funding from the CareTech Foundation will also support Breaking Barriers to grow our wider employment and education work, including the full integration of new Language and Re-accreditation Programmes, which will strengthen the support available to refugees nationally. 

Tariq Raja, Executive Director of the CareTech Foundation, said: “It can never be overestimated how important it is that the UK care sector address its vacancy and retention challenges. Diverse recruitment does not have to begin with inexperience.  

“With Breaking Barriers, we have already seen clear evidence that refugees bring a diversity of talent, skills and resources that enhance our sector, and they are passionate about staying and contributing. We look forward to supporting Breaking Barriers and championing their work and clients.”