overseas nurses

At Equality 4 Black Nurses, we continue to witness the exploitation of overseas nurses in the UK healthcare system. These nurses, primarily from African backgrounds, work tirelessly, often filling critical staffing gaps. However, despite their invaluable contributions, many face poor treatment under circumstances that highlight systemic discrimination and exploitation.

This cycle reveals stark parallels with historical systems of oppression, including the Slave Trade, particularly in the financial exploitation of their labour.

Overseas nurses in the UK make significant financial contributions through mandatory pension payments, National Insurance, and taxes. However, when they are unfairly dismissed from their jobs and Voluntarily leave the country, these contributions often remain inaccessible to them, reinforcing a cycle of economic loss and systemic inequity.

Pensions - Nurses are enrolled in pension schemes, with deductions automatically made from their salaries.

For example, an overseas nurse earning £30,000 annually contributes approximately £7,470 to their pension over three years. These contributions are meant to secure their future, but when nurses are dismissed from their jobs or leave the UK, they lose access to these funds.

On the same salary, overseas nurses contribute approximately £4,179 to National Insurance over three years, which funds state benefits and healthcare they may never access. Additionally, they pay around £9,000 in income taxes over three years, further subsidizing public services they may no longer benefit from once they leave.

Over a three-year period, an overseas nurse contributes approximately £20,649 in taxes, National Insurance, and pension payments.

When dismissed from employment or Voluntarily leave the UK, these funds remain within the system, indirectly benefiting others, while the nurse faces financial devastation. The exploitation of overseas nurses mirrors historical systems of forced labour, particularly the Slave Trade, in several ways.

Labour Without Equity: Enslaved individuals generated wealth for others while receiving nothing in return. Similarly, overseas nurses pay into systems designed to provide long-term benefits but are excluded from accessing them due to unfair dismissals.

Systemic Financial Exploitation: Just as wealth from the enslaved was absorbed into economies that excluded them, the financial contributions of overseas nurses are absorbed into the UK system, benefiting others while leaving these nurses empty-handed.

Enslaved individuals were treated as expendable commodities. Today, overseas nurses are treated as temporary labour solutions, discarded when their utility diminishes, or they challenge unfair practices.

The financial exploitation of overseas nurses is compounded by systemic discrimination. Research shows that Black African staff are disproportionately represented in NHS disciplinary actions. They are up to three times more likely to face disciplinary measures compared to their white colleagues​.

This disproportionate targeting often begins with subjective interpretations of behaviour.

As one nurse explained:

“If I feel something is not right, I will say, and it can be taken that I’m being aggressive. But to me, I’m being assertive”​.

These biases lead to unfair disciplinary actions, dismissal, and ultimately the financial and emotional destruction of these nurses’ lives.

At Equality 4 Black Nurses, we offer a tiered membership structure designed to support and empower Black healthcare professionals at various stages of their careers. Our membership plans provide access to a range of resources, including one-on-one advocacy support, group therapy sessions through our Support Bubble, and workshops on navigating workplace challenges and addressing racial trauma. Members also join our vibrant Community of Black Healthcare Professionals, a safe space for networking, mentorship, and solidarity.

Our membership plans are structured as follows:

• Primary Membership: £15 per month. Ideal for those who wish to join our community and support our vision. Members have access to weekly Zoom sessions.

• Pro Membership: £25 per month, plus a one-time case setup fee of £100. This plan is tailored for individuals facing a single employment issue (excluding regulatory issues).

• Elite Membership: £45 per month, plus a one-time case setup fee of £100. Designed for those dealing with multiple issues, including NMC or Employment Tribunal cases.

  
  

Each membership level is crafted to meet specific needs, ensuring that every member receives the appropriate support and resources. Whether you're seeking professional guidance, emotional support, or a platform to connect with like-minded peers, our membership plans are designed to amplify your voice in the fight for equity and justice in healthcare.

For more information or to join, please visit our membership page.

Call to Action

The systemic exploitation of overseas nurses cannot continue. We demand:

• Transparency in Financial Systems: Overseas nurses must have access to their pension and National Insurance funds, regardless of immigration status.

• Fair and Equitable Treatment: Disciplinary procedures must prioritize informal resolution over punitive actions, ensuring fairness for all staff.

Overseas nurses should not be treated as expendable tools in the UK healthcare system. Their labour, financial contributions, and humanity deserve recognition and respect.

At Equality 4 Black Nurses, we are here to fight for their justice. If you are an overseas nurse facing challenges or want to support our mission, join us.

We can dismantle these inequities and create a healthcare system that values and protects everyone.