Leicester care boss banned from employing foreign nationals

Patience Oyeniran was given an interim ban at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday

A care provider has been banned from employing foreign nationals following allegations of "exploitation".

Concerns had been raised over the exploitation of workers at Leicestershire-based Panashe Care Home Services.

An interim banning order was granted against manager Patience Oyeniran at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The service has been rated "inadequate" by the Care Quality Commission.

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) was granted a Slavery and Trafficking Risk Order (STRO) against 60-year-old Ms Oyeniran of Colby Road, Thurmaston, Leicester.

A spokesperson for GLAA said STROs are an "invaluable tool" in restricting the activities of individuals who may commit a slavery or trafficking offence.

It follows an inspection by the CQC in 2022, which cancelled Panashe's registration after the service was ranked "inadequate".

CQC inspectors found there were not enough staff to provide care that people required.

Overseas staff were scheduled to provide unrealistic hours of care, which meant inspectors were not always assured people were receiving the care and support they required.

Leicestershire County Council terminated its contract with Ms Panashe and the company no longer provides care packages in the county.

UK Visas and Immigration also revoked Ms Oyeniran's licence to recruit workers from overseas.