Labour cuts asylum case workers and misses manifesto pledge

Home Office figures show the number of asylum caseworkers fell to 2,113 from 2,464 under the previous government, while appeals in the immigration tribunal have more than doubled to about 69,670.

Labour has reduced the number of staff who interview asylum seekers, according to Home Office figures. There are 2,113 caseworkers now, down from 2,464 in the final month of the Conservative government. Labour's 2024 manifesto pledged to hire additional caseworkers to clear a backlog and end asylum hotels. The Home Office reports fewer people awaiting an initial decision, but appeals in the immigration tribunal have risen sharply and planned reforms to the appeals system have not yet been legislated. Key facts: - Home Office figures show 2,113 asylum caseworkers currently, versus 2,464 in the last month of the previous government. - The article reports a 13% decrease in caseworker headcount since Labour took office and notes a previous 94% rise under the prior administration. - The number of asylum cases in the lower tribunal rose to about 69,670, a reported increase of roughly 104% year-on-year. - The Home Secretary has announced proposals to replace the existing first-tier tribunal with a new body overseen by the Home Office; legislation to enact those changes has not been published and the reforms are unlikely to be in place before the end of next year. Summary: The staffing reduction contrasts with Labour's manifesto commitment and coincides with a marked rise in tribunal appeals, shifting pressure toward the courts. Legislation to implement the Home Secretary's proposed appeals reforms has not yet been published and timing for the changes remains uncertain.