Thank you, Zoe Williams (‘Cheap foreign labour’ – this is how Keir Starmer denigrates the migrant carers looking after your loved ones, 12 May). My husband suffered a severe stroke 14 years ago. Every day since, a care worker has visited us to get him up and wash and dress him. We live in east London and every single care worker we have met has been born abroad. They are kind, supportive and reliable. The happiest moment of my day is when I hear them turn the key in our front door. How dare you suggest that we risk becoming an “island of strangers” because of them, Keir Starmer? I have voted Labour for 60 years. No more.
Jane O’Regan
London
• As a trustee of a charity that employs people to help older citizens remain independent, active and fulfilled in life, I know that care work is demanding and highly skilled. Some of our staff may not have higher education qualifications (although many do), but they are all well trained, empathetic and dedicated to their work. Yvette Cooper should spend a week doing some care work shifts, or simply ask our clients about the service they receive, and then tell us whether the job is “low-skilled”.
Jonathan Erskine
Trustee, LifeCare Edinburgh
