7. The consequences of dismissal: when a worker loses sponsorship
navigate the loss of sponsorship and the expiry of her visa, while also working behind the scenes to find a new employer willing to sponsor her. Through union networks, former colleagues helped verify her English proficiency and restore her NMC registration. With additional financial support from the union charity There for You, community donations and a hardship grant, Maria remained housed and eventually secured a new job in the NHS. She is now working as a nurse, settled, married, and has had a baby.
“ They took every penny from her final pay. She couldn’ t even afford the flight home.”“ She wasn’ t recruited to take advantage. She came for love, and they discarded her like nothing. That employer had her job, her home, her visa, and her money. That’ s total control.”“ UNISON gave her a path back when no one else could. It made all the difference.” – Organiser involved in Maria’ s case
Practical guidance for union reps and caseworkers
Supporting migrant workers who have lost their sponsorship requires prompt and informed action. Here’ s how union reps and caseworkers can assist:
Immediate steps
• Confirm employment status – determine whether the member has been formally dismissed and if the Home Office has been notified.
• Assess visa implications – understand the specific visa the worker holds and the implications of their dismissal on immigration status( see above and Chapter 2).
• Inform the worker about the rematching scheme – share information about the April and July 2025 changes, including the regional support funded by the DHSC, and potential financial support.
• Use the online database of care sponsors – if the worker is looking for a new job in social care inform them about the database of other licenced sponsors where they might find new employment( be aware that this might not always be up-todate): https:// autonomy. work / care-visa-sponsor-database-v2 /.
• Refer to support services – help the worker contact immigration advisers, legal aid, or community organisations for specialised advice.
• Document the case – keep thorough records of dismissal, sponsorship status, and any union representation or correspondence.
40 LRD • Supporting migrant workers