HR REVIEW
IMMIGRATION LAW CHANGE
WHY ‘GETTING IT RIGHT IS CRITICAL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH’
R
adical new rules on immigration and overseas talent recruitment are on the way – but how will they work and what are the implications for business? BLM investigates…
Government efforts to limit immigration and end the UK’s reliance on ‘cheap, low-skilled labour coming into the country’ mean new legislation is on the horizon for 2021. A points-based immigration system, akin to that of Australia, will be adopted in the wake of Brexit, with would-be workers judged
on credentials including skills, qualifications and salaries prior to UK entry being granted. Home Secretary Priti Patel described the new legislation as ‘a historic moment for the whole country’. She said: “We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down.
“We will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe, boosting the economy and our communities, and unleash this country’s full potential.” Initial response from business organisations suggests the move has been well-received – in most cases. However, there are some sectors which are likely to be impacted more severely, while assurances are still being sought on other key details. The new rules So, what’s changed? The new system ends free movement, and will see EU and non-EU citizens judged equally when assessing residency applications. Workers will need to meet a wide range of criteria relating to skills, qualifications and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK – and must have a job offer for a role earning a minimum of £25,600 in place prior to entry. Around 70% of EU workers currently in the UK would fall short of the benchmark. Are businesses happy? Generally speaking, they seem to be – providing rules don’t restrict access to skills and labour – help is available to navigate the new laws, and implementation doesn’t prove too expensive. There are caveats, though. A Forum of Small Business survey says 59% of firms harbour concerns about being able to access workers with the skills they need postBrexit, while 95% have zero experience of navigating immigration laws and want help to do so.
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March - April 2020
