Question reference: S6W-07744
- Asked by: Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 31 March 2022
-
Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 11 April 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what representations it has made to the UK Government regarding any barriers to the recruitment and relocation of healthcare staff, including GPs, to rural locations in Scotland from countries within the EU.
Answer
The Scottish Government has consistently and unequivocally indicated to the UK Government the significant impact Brexit would have across our whole economy, including health and social care. Leaving the EU, and in particular the loss of freedom of movement, has undoubtedly added to the challenge of attracting and recruiting new staff to work in remote and rural communities.
Further to engagement between the Minister for Future Borders and Immigration, my predecessor and other devolved administrations about the impact of EU exit on the recruitment and retention of health and social care workers, the UK Government has amended the shortage worker visa scheme including social care workers through the Scottish Government remains of the view that this does not adequately address the barriers that exist.
We continue to invest in recruitment and retention of health care staff, including GPs in remote and rural locations and this include record levels of investment in international recruitment, direct support to international recruits, the Golden Hello scheme and the development of a National Centre for Remote and Rural Health and Social Care.