In a bid to boost care worker numbers, the government has added them to the Shortage Occupation List, making it easier to recruit them from abroad. Care home and home care workers, who will need to receive a salary of at least £20,480, will be eligible for the health and care visa scheme for a 12-month period. The temporary measure is expected to kick in early this year and is designed to increase staffing levels in a sector where vacancy rates are thought to be as high as 17%. According to the government, it will allow applicants and their dependants to take advantage of fast-track processing, support with processing applications and reduced visa fees.