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Further confusion for recruiters as restrictions remain on Bulgarians and Romanians

The Government has decided to retain work restrictions on Bulgarians and Romanians.  Only limited numbers of citizens from these countries will be allowed to be employed in the UK in the agricultural and food processing sectors.  Higher skilled workers maybe able to obtain work permit to work in the UK through the points based system on the same basis as non-EU citizens. 

Commenting on the decision, Anne Fairweather, the REC’s Head of Public Policy said: “Maintaining this restriction simply results in confusion in the jobs market.  As EU citizens Bulgarians and Romanians are free to visit the UK and work here on a self employed basis; however restrictions remain on their employment.  Recruitment agencies may engage these workers on a self employed basis however there is very limited advice about how the UK Border Agency views self employment for immigration purposes.

"The REC believes that the Government should be looking to simplify systems for establishing an individual’s right to work.  Drawing this distinction between EU citizens from different countries only results in confusion.” 

Anne Fairweather concluded: “It is clear that the worsening labour market has resulted in many migrant workers returning home.  It is unlikely that many Bulgarians and Romanians would seek to come to the UK if work is more difficult to find.  However there are sectors where it remains difficult to recruit low skilled workers, such as social care.  We call on the Government to continue to monitor the impact of their immigration decisions on this sector.”