Cardiff Council is set to become the first local authority in Wales to sign a charter aimed at stopping the exploitation of migrant care workers and improving standards in adult social care, says UNISON today (Tuesday).
The migrant care workers charter commits the council to stronger checks on care providers, fair pay and action when workers are threatened with losing their visa or deportation.
It follows rising concerns about migrant care staff being underpaid, overworked or intimidated because their immigration status is tied to their job.
Migrant care workers make up a large part of Cardiff’s adult social care workforce, supporting older people and disabled adults in their own homes. UNISON says poor treatment of staff puts services at risk and leads to unsafe, rushed care.
Under the charter, care companies commissioned by the council will be expected to pay at least the real living wage, cover travel time and training properly, and issue payslips showing all hours worked.
The council will also act when illegal fees, unfair repayment clauses or threats linked to visa sponsorship are identified.
The agreement includes new arrangements to help migrant care workers find alternative employment if a firm collapses or loses its sponsorship licence. UNISON says this will reduce the risk of people being forced out of the country through no fault of their own.
Cardiff-based migrant home care worker Edith Dube said: “I never imagined exploitation and fear would be part of the job. The care visa ties workers to a single employer and some companies abuse the power that gives them.
“This doesn’t just hurt migrant care workers. It damages care for everyone. Councils and governments can allow this to continue, or they can step in, like Cardiff Council has, and make sure care workers are treated fairly and with dignity so the people who rely on care are protected too.”
UNISON Cymru head of social care Mark Turner said: “Migrant care workers keep adult social care running. Too often, they face insecurity, pay below the minimum wage and a constant fear that speaking out could cost them their jobs and their visa.
“This charter is an important step in setting clear expectations for ethical recruitment, fair treatment and decent working conditions.”
Notes to editors:
– The migrant care workers charter has been developed with UNISON Cymru and informed by the experiences of migrant care workers.
– Cardiff Council’s cabinet is due to consider the charter on Thursday 22 January 2026.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Jim Poulter M: 07904 342511 E: j.poulter@unison.co.uk
