A Government appointee Migration Committee have recommended that Boris Johnson’s post Brexit Australian points-based immigration system should not be fully implemented
The report recommended lowering the the salary threshold for skilled migrants with a job offer from £30,000 to £25,600 (with the use of ‘national pay scales’ in the NHS and education sectors and a points-based system for those arriving without a job
The committee’s chair also called Boris Johnson’s proposal for a new points-based immigration system a “soundbite”.
he committee proposes skilled migrants would still be required to have a job offer but there would be flexibility with higher-paid professions having higher thresholds, while teachers, skilled NHS workers and new entrants would continue to benefit from lower thresholds.
“This means that most employers will be able to hire migrants at wages which many existing workers in those occupations are currently being paid,” says the MAC.
“For most eligible occupations in the NHS and schools, we recommend the use of the national pay scales as the relevant salary thresholds ensuring they can hire migrants.”
Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said:
“Businesses know free movement is ending. A new immigration system that is fair and sustainable from day one is as important for many firms as our future trading relationships.
“Reducing the headline salary threshold will be welcomed by businesses, which argued that a £30,000 cap would be damaging. Yet even with a commitment to world class business training, it remains unclear how firms can hire for mid-skilled roles such as LGV drivers, joiners and lab technicians who don’t meet the £25,600 test.
“Flexibility will be needed to build a system that lets wages rise where there are shortages while helping businesses to access the skills and labour needed to grow all parts of the UK.
“Business looks forward to working in partnership with government to get this new system right.”
Tom Ironside, Director of Business and Regulation at the British Retail Consortium, said:
“In the pursuit of attracting the brightest and the best from around the world, we must not forget that retailers depend on a workforce across all skill levels. The operation of warehouses, food factories and city centre stores all benefit from the vital contribution from EU migrant workers. Where vacancies cannot be filled from the local labour market, retailers must be able to recruit from the widest talent pool available. It is important that any proposed salary threshold for those coming to the UK does not limit the industry’s access to vital workers in the supply chain.
“With only eleven months to go before a new system is due to be implemented, we urge the Government to publish the details of the UK’s new immigration system as soon as possible. There is little time for business to plan and adjust; Government must not delay if they wish to avoid disruption to businesses and consumers. We need a system that enables swift and straight-forward recruitment across skill levels and avoids significant increases in the cost of employment. Without a workable system in place, retailers will struggle to deliver the same level of service and value that customers have come to expect.”
