Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: January 22, 2026

Purpose: There has been significant increase in reports of exploitation since the introduction of the Health and Care Worker Visa, including illegal fees, forced relocation, and threats of deportation tied to visa sponsorship. Some cases reach the level of modern slavery, with workers coerced into excessive hours and denied basic rights. Migrant workers often remain silent due to fear of losing their visa, creating a culture of vulnerability and isolation. The Local Authority has a statutory duty to ensure fair work practices under the National Framework for Commissioning Care and Support and the Welsh Social Partnership Model. The Migrant Workers Charter developed in partnership with UNISON seeks to address previously fragmented approaches to address systemic risks; a unified, transparent framework is required to protect workers and uphold ethical standards and the Charter seeks to lay the foundations to the work being undertake with adult care providers in Cardiff. Signing the charter demonstrates commitment to preventing exploitation, modern slavery, and unethical practices, aligning with Welsh legislation and UK employment law. The charter embeds fair pay, transparency, and safe working conditions into commissioning practices, ensuring dignity and respect for all care workers. It fosters collaboration between Local Authorities, care providers, trade unions, and national stakeholders, supporting the Welsh Social Partnership Model. By becoming the first council in Wales to sign the Charter, the authority will lead the way  in in ethical care commissioning, setting a benchmark for best practice. This proactive commitment will help safeguard vulnerable migrant workers,  strengthen compliance with legal and ethical standards, and underline the council’s commitment  to fairness and integrity in care commissioning.

Content: Councillor Peter Littlechild declared a personal interest in this item as he supports migrant workers and their families as a community outreach worker.     RESOLVED: that the Charter at Appendix A – ‘Working Together to Protect Migrant Care Workers in the Adult Social Care Sector – A Charter for Local Care Commissioners’ be agreed, demonstrating commitment to safeguarding vulnerable migrant workers and to ethical care commissioning.