Two new studies warn of a double whammy looming over the already troubled care sector. The first from the International Longevity Centre warns of a serious staffing shortfall in the care sector exacerbated by the Government's ham-fisted attempts to curb immigration.

Because of its low wages and unsocial hours, the care sector, especially residential care, finds it difficult to recruit and as a result is heavily dependent on foreign-born labour. The study (see opposite page) suggests that 20% of care staff are born outside the UK and in London the percentage rises to 60%. An immigration crackdown could exacerbate staff shortages if the Government insists – as it is in the nursing sector – on using only skilled immigrants.