No plans to tighten care worker English language rules after Somerset death

Home Office rejects call for change from coroner in case of woman who died after ambulance delay

The minimum level of English language skills required for foreign care workers will not be raised despite the death of a care home resident after staff were unable to explain her critical state to 999 operators.

The senior coroner for Somerset investigated the death of 91-year-old Barbara Rymell in August 2022 and found that the primary school standard of English required to get a health and care visa was “wholly inadequate for those working in the direct care and protection of vulnerable people”. But the Home Office has now ruled out any change.