International care workers make a hugely valuable contribution to adult social care, and many employers are committed to recruiting and supporting international workers responsibly, treating their staff well and meeting their obligations as employers and sponsors.

However, we are hearing from some international care workers seeking help, via the International Recruitment Legal & HR Helpline, because they have not received wages or other money owed to them.

Not being paid correctly can have a significant impact on workers and their families. It can also leave people in a vulnerable position and, in some circumstances, increase the risk of exploitation.

If you are an international care worker and worried that you have not been paid correctly, help and advice are available. You should not feel that you have to accept being underpaid, not being paid for all the hours you have worked, or having money you are owed withheld.

For sponsored workers, employers also have responsibilities under the immigration sponsorship system, alongside their wider responsibilities under employment law.

What should you do if you are worried about your pay?

Keep copies of information that could help show what you should have been paid and what you have actually received. This might include:

  • Your employment contract
  • Your Certificate of Sponsorship
  • Payslips
  • Timesheets and rotas
  • Records of the hours you have worked
  • Bank statements showing payments from your employer
  • Emails or messages about your pay

 

It can be helpful to raise the issue with your employer or manager in the first instance where you feel able and safe to do so. There may be an error or issue that your employer can resolve. If the problem is not resolved, or you do not feel comfortable raising it directly, independent help is available.

Where can you get help?

Acas provides free and confidential advice to workers and employers about employment rights, including pay, National Minimum Wage, contracts and workplace disputes.

Acas helpline: 0300 123 1100: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. A free translation service is available in more than 100 languages.

The government provides an online service for complaints about issues including National Minimum Wage, employment agencies and working-time limits.

 

Problems with pay can sometimes be part of a wider pattern of exploitation. If you are being controlled, threatened, manipulated or seriously exploited at work, you can report your concerns.

Serious exploitation helpline: 0800 432 0804
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Calls are free and an interpreter can be arranged if needed.

If you work for a service regulated by the Care Quality Commission and your concerns also relate to the quality or safety of care, you can raise concerns with CQC.

CQC does not resolve individual employment disputes, so workers with concerns specifically about unpaid wages should also seek employment-rights advice.

  • Safeguarding and wellbeing support

If concerns about your pay are affecting your safety or wellbeing, or you are worried about abuse, exploitation, crime or another issue, further support is available.

The West Midlands Safeguarding and Wellbeing Directory brings together organisations that can help international care workers and others find the right support. It includes services in the West Midlands and nationally, with information about where to go if you are concerned about yourself or another person, as well as routes for concerns about an employer.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Directory – WM ADASS

You can also use the International Recruitment prompt cards if you are concerned about the safety or welfare of an international care worker, or have concerns about an employer or unethical employment practices.

These include “Concerns about an Employer” and “Concerns about an Individual” prompt cards and further information about modern slavery and exploitation.

International Recruitment – Combatting Modern Slavery and Exploitation prompt cards

Also, a reminder that as part of a regional programme of support we are supporting West Midlands International Care Workers, who have been displaced, with free legal and Human Resources support until the end of March 2027.

To find out more please click here.

Remember

Most employers want to do the right thing by their workforce, and good employment practice benefits workers, employers and the people who draw on care and support.

But if something does not seem right with your pay, ask for help early. If wages are being withheld, unexplained deductions are being made, you are being threatened because of your visa or sponsorship, or you feel that someone is controlling or exploiting you, there are organisations that can help.

You do not have to deal with these concerns alone.