Responding to the Home Office announcement that there will be free visa extensions for healthcare workers, deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery said:

"It is welcome to see recognition for the significant contribution the international workforce makes to the NHS and no more so than during the most challenging period in the NHS' history.

"The last thing frontline workers who have moved to this country to work for the NHS need to be worrying about is renewing theirs or their family's visas as they respond to a second wave and winter pressures.

"There are more than 150,000 staff across the health service who will also welcome the decision to drop fees.

"But yet again social care staff have been overlooked. Social care staff have also been at the frontline of the response to the pandemic and have worked hand in hand with the NHS. It's very disappointing their essential contribution is still not being recognised.

"A clear plan is now needed on how these care staff will be exempted from the Immigration Health Surcharge."