Work extension for Pinoy caregivers in UK seen

A ray of hope shines on thousands of Filipino senior caregivers after the government of United Kingdom has reportedly reversed its previous position with a new set of guidance from the Borders and Immigration Agency, formerly known as Work Permits to give them extension to work in said country. “Extension applications will now be acted upon with the issuance and publication of the new guidance by this month of August," Emmanuel S. Geslani, recruitment industry consultant for several local agencies, said in a statement. Geslani quoting an update from the BIA, said the extension of their work permits will also mean that their employers will have to meet the new annual salary rate of £4,600 British or the hourly rate of 7.02 . “With the new criteria our Filipino senior [caregivers] monthly salaries have been raised to £1,217 or at current exchange rate P115,000 plus overtime time," he added. This development, according to Geslani, was disclosed by a highly placed contact from the UK, Martin Green, English Community Care Association (www.ecca.org.uk) chief executive officer. Green has been in direct contact with the British government and various Ministers including the minister for health, Home Office and the Immigration. The BIA has relented to pressure from the ministerial level after talks between the health minister and Home Office minister resulted in a reversal of policy of renewal issue. Care organizations in UK and employers of the Filipinos also convinced members of Parliament that the former policy of non-renewal would be detrimental to the care sector in the UK. - GMANews.TV