UK Care Home Accused of Exploiting and Trapping Overseas Staff

UK care home employees feel exploited and trapped by their employer, according to BBC's Panorama investigation.

Staff at Prestwick Care claimed their contracts made it difficult to leave, and reported under-staffing, putting residents at risk. Prestwick Care disputes any allegations of systematic misconduct.

An undercover Panorama journalist worked at Addison Court, owned by Prestwick Care, and found over-reliance on overseas staff. In the past year, UK visas for foreign health and care workers doubled, with stringent conditions tied to their employment.

Employees, particularly from India, felt they couldn't resign due to visa restrictions. One nurse felt coerced to stay due to contractual penalties and a non-compete clause, which legal experts argue wouldn't hold up in court.

Some Addison Court workers paid excessive fees via a recruitment agency for UK visas, far above government charges. Prestwick Care, now reviewing its staff contracts, has ceased new arrangements with the agency.

Staffing shortages at the care home have reportedly led to delayed medications and inadequate care, igniting complaints from local health professionals and numerous safeguarding alerts.

The care home's umbrella company, Malhotra Care Homes Limited, reported a high profit margin, suggesting possible underinvestment in staffing. Following these findings, the Home Office revoked Prestwick Care's sponsor license for foreign workers.

Despite recent challenges, including the suspension of its "good" rating by the regulator, Prestwick Care insists on addressing any raised concerns and denies any patterns of poor practice.