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Ministers said the new rules will cut the number of skilled migrants coming in from outside of the EEA by 12%.

The points based system will require migrants to accrue a number of required points to enter Britain which will be awarded according to qualifications and job prospects.

Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy said that “Immigration is an extremely sensitive issue and there is tremendous pressure on the Government to curb numbers. The recent House of Lords’ Economic Affairs Committee report urged immigration to be capped. However a cap on immigration which is not related to a need for workers could be harmful to both the economy and front line delivery of services. The REC supports the principles of the new points based system but any new rules need to take into account the real needs of the UK economy”

There was a further announcement from the Government regarding immigration issues regarding the fact that there has been a substantial increase in the number of employers being prosecuted for employing illegal workers. This is an issue that the REC has regularly updated members on and checking appropriate documentation of workers is a key element of the REC’s Code of Professional Practice. 

Commenting on the Home Office’s enhanced enforcement regime, Claire Walker, Head of Professional Standards said “Law abiding agencies and employers clearly welcome the focus on better enforcement. 2008 has seen a much more rigorous immigration policy in the UK. Since February when new rules to check documentation came into effect, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of employers being prosecuted for hiring illegal immigrants. Recruitment companies need to ensure that they make proper and thorough checks”.

The REC is represented on a number of Home Office committees and working groups such as the Business Advisory Panel and the Illegal Working Stakeholder Group which ensures that the views and concerns of the recruitment industry are taken forward on a regular basis

The REC recently submitted a consultation to the independent committee which will advise the Government on recognising labour shortages and filling gaps in the labour markets (Migration Advisory Committee) for Tier 2 migrants.

For further information on the development of UK immigration policy consult REC's policy brief http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/externalrelations/nationalcampaigns/Immigration

The REC’s response to the recent consultation to the MAC can be viewed at: http://www.rec.uk.com/about-recruitment/externalrelations/consultations