Brexit fears on future of EU care staff

Holyrood's Health Committe fear the impact will Brexit have on Scotland's social care workforce. Pic: Contributed

But it said: “Indications are this future demand will not be met as not enough young people are willing to take on roles in the sector. This workforce concern is compounded by uncertainty surrounding Brexit. We are concerned about the lack of data on numbers of EU nationals working in the health and social care sector.”

Committee convener, Lothian Labour MSP Neil Finday said: “This is a particularly critical time for the future of our social care workforce. As our population ages we need to start planning now for the workforce we’ll need in 10 to 20 years’ time.

“Fortunately a large proportion of the current workforce comes from the rest of the EU. We are calling on the Scottish Government to do all it can in ensuring that EU nationals working in Scotland will be able to remain here.”

The committee also expressed concern about the “lack of value” placed on the role of social care workers.

Mr Findlay said cafe workers felt “undervalued and not listened to”, despite the demanding and vital role they performed.