Beyond the headlines, as I reported last month, the govt isn’t really proposing a comprehensive Australian style points based system. This is essentially Theresa May’s immigration proposals with a points element grafted on to the top. gov.uk/government/pub…
Nonetheless, the change is profound. The removal of *any* route for low skilled migration is the biggest change to the system for decades and will happen with almost no time for business to adapt. May’s proposals contained provision for some low skilled workers, that’s now gone.
There are a few exempted areas, including an agricultural workers scheme and NHS. Expect a lot of lobbying from other sectors for the same treatment, eg hospitality/social care.
Context is important: jobs arent scarce. We have nearly full employment. There are relatively few British people a) willing to do some of these jobs b) available to do them. Hard to see, especially in certain places, without low skilled labour how certain industries can adjust.
If you’re an employer, would be keen to hear from you about what you think about the proposed new system. In Brussels today working on another story but will return to it. DM me.
