New Immigration Policy Threatens to Cut Businesses off from Vital Skills

The government has announced details of the immigration system that is to come into force on 1 January 2021. 

Under the plan, people considered ‘low-skilled’ will be unable to come to the UK for work. People who wish to come to the UK to work will be required to speak English and have a job offer with a salary of £25,600 or more, with few exceptions.

The news comes as ONS labour market figures show a rise in job vacancies for the first time in a year. The REC’s JobsOutlook survey showed almost half (49%) of employers expected to find a shortage of workers. Skills shortages are especially severe among lower-paid jobs such as carers, drivers, and agricultural workers.   

Tom Hadley, Director of Policy and Campaigns at the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, said:

“Skills and staff shortages are one of the biggest challenges facing the UK economy. Roles in sectors as diverse as social care, hospitality and construction are already hard to fill which is why we need an evidence-based immigration policy that reflects the needs of employers.

“Jobs the government considers ‘low-skilled’ are vital to wellbeing and business growth. The announcement threatens to shut out the people we need to provide services the public rely on. This would increase the likelihood of illegal working and exploitation. In the US, more than half of farm workers and 15% of construction workers are unauthorised. Nobody wants the UK to be in this position due to the lack of an official low-skilled immigration route where vulnerable workers will suffer. 

“We need access to workers that can help us look after the elderly, build homes and keep the economy strong. Employers ask that there is a temporary visa route for businesses to recruit the essential skills they need at all pay and skill levels.”

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 

1. The REC’s full response to each area of the new immigration plans can be found here.
2. The REC's JobsOutlook in January showed almost half (49%) of employers expected to find a shortage of workers for permanent roles.
3. According to the ONS, the number of job vacancies increased for the first time in a year to 810,000, up by 7,000 compared to the previous quarter but down by 50,000 compared to the same period last year. The latest ONS labour market stats can be found here.

For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 020 7009 2157, 020 7009 2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. 

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The REC is the voice of the recruitment industry, speaking up for great recruiters. We drive standards and empower recruitment businesses to build better futures for their candidates and themselves. We are champions of an industry which is fundamental to the strength of the UK economy. 

Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com