[1] He worked as a social worker in Wolverhampton for six years from 1977, and from 1978 to 1982 was a shop steward with the National and Local Government Officers Association.In 1983, he was appointed manager of the Priory in Thatcham, providing alternatives to care and custody for young people for Berkshire Social Services.[2] He was re-elected as MP for Birmingham Hall Green at the 2001 general election with an increased vote share of 54.6% and a decreased majority of 6,648.[4] In October 2006, McCabe applied for selection to the redrawn constituency of Birmingham Selly Oak, which incorporated much of his existing seat.[11][12] In July 2013, McCabe called for a referendum on remaining in the EU to be held "as soon as possible", stating he found himself "at odds with his party" on the issue.[26] In August 2017, McCabe suffered minor facial injuries after a motorcyclist in Kings Heath, Birmingham threw a brick at him, which he reported to the police.