To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment has been made of the effects of the introduction of additional transitional measures to case worker guidance on handling work permit applications relating to senior care worker posts and applications from senior care workers previously refused extensions on grounds that their new posts were not advertised nationally. (179760)

The work permit arrangements do not require now, did not require under transitional arrangements introduced in August 2007, and did not require prior to the introduction of these transitional arrangements, jobs to be advertised nationally when a work permit holder changes employer but continues to do the same type of job. Normally this only applies when an application is received either before permit holders leave their current employment or within 28 days of their last day of work with their previous employer.

Applicants whose work permits have already expired should apply for extensions as soon as possible. Caseworkers consider all aspects of each individual case when making a decision.