Response to Initial Disclosures Regarding the Immigration Policy Document
The current UK government has declared a "complete immigration reset," with a focus on reducing net migration, tightening work visa criteria, and enhancing compliance. This shift aims to prioritise high-skilled labor market needs, focusing on those with qualifications and roles that add high value.
Under the new rules, jobs must be at least at Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 6, roughly equivalent to a bachelor's degree, and salary thresholds have increased significantly, with a minimum of £41,700. However, certain lower-skilled roles may still qualify temporarily via a new Temporary Shortage List, reflecting labor market shortages in specific occupations, including within the private sector.
The government's aim is to ensure that immigration supports the high-skilled labor market, while controlling overall migration numbers. For private-sector employers, these changes imply higher costs and complexity in sponsoring overseas workers, with fewer mid- to low-skilled roles eligible unless designated under shortage lists. Transitional provisions allow current lower-skilled skilled workers to extend visas until at least 2028 in some cases, but new sponsorships below RQF 6 are largely restricted.
In response to these changes, there is a growing emphasis on boosting training in the UK. To this end, the Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG) has been established. Comprising labour market experts from business, the LMEG is expected to have a regular voice in the group.
The LMEG's mission is to ensure that the immigration system remains open to a flexible system, affordable for employers in the UK, and responsive to keep investment flowing to the UK. It is also crucial that the flexible immigration system in the LMEG responds quickly to changing market needs.
A controlled immigration system is important to employers in the UK, but it is equally vital that the system remains adaptable to meet the evolving needs of the economy. The LMEG's role will be pivotal in striking this balance, ensuring that the UK's immigration policy continues to support economic growth and success.
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