The United Kingdom intends to hire 50,000 nurses by 2024 as the government opens its labor market to more overseas workers, including Filipino professionals.
Amuerfina Reyes, the Philippine Labor Attaché in London, stated that, in addition to increased demand for health care services, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) has noticed an increase in demand for workers in the financial sector, specifically for positions such as accountants, comptrollers, and auditors.
50,000 Nurses to be Hired in the United Kingdom – POLO
Moreover, the announcement includes opportunities for employment as seasonal workers in the agriculture sector, the Philippine News Agency.
“Based on the job orders that we have been receiving, there are emerging opportunities for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here in the financial sector. We can see an increase in the demand for accountants and auditors. Another opportunity is up for those seasonal agriculture workers in the potato farms,” Reyes said.
“Upon their arrival here in the UK, nurses are getting £19 to £20,000 (PHP1.4 million) per year. If they pass the exam, just like the one PRC administers in the Philippines, they will receive £23,000 to £24,000 (PHP1.7 million) per year. They are getting more from overtime pay, on top of their opportunity of becoming permanent residents after 5 years, if their track records are clean,” the POLO official added.
So far, the Philippine government has spared the United Kingdom from the annual deployment cap of 6,500 healthcare personnel.
READ NEXT: [PINOY PRIDE] Pinay Nurse in UK Recognized Among Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year Honor List