The CBI has responded to plans for a new post-Brexit
immigration system as set out in the UK Government’s Immigration
White Paper.
Josh Hardie, CBI Deputy
Director-General, said:
“A new immigration system must command
public confidence and support the economy. These proposals would
achieve neither.
“The proposals outlined in the White
Paper don’t meet the UK’s needs and would be a sucker punch for
many firms right across the country. The Government’s own
analysis suggests people and regions will be poorer as a result
of them.
“The Government cannot indulge in
selective hearing. It tunes in to business evidence on a
disastrous Brexit no deal, but tunes out from the economic damage
of draconian blocks on access to vital overseas
workers.
“The facts are clear. Brexit is
cutting off the ability to recruit and retain staff for 9 out of
10 firms. Despite firms spending over £45 billion in training
each year, staff shortages are already biting. Hospitals,
housebuilders and retailers are all struggling to find the people
they need at salaries well below
£30,000.
“These proposals must change. And when a
new system that will work is agreed, the UK must be given time to
adapt. This means at least two years to implement the changes
after the rules are
finalised.
“Further consultation is needed to get
this right for the whole of the UK, otherwise calls for devolved
and regional immigration policies will only grow
louder.”
On the Government’s proposal for
lower-skilled visas, Josh
said:
“All skill levels matter to the UK
economy. A temporary 12-month route for overseas workers earning
under £30,000 would encourage firms to hire a different person
each year. That needlessly increases costs and discourages
migrants from integrating into local communicates – a key social
concern. It’s not good for the public or
business.”
On administrative burdens, Josh
said:
“The ambition to streamline the
visa system absolutely must be delivered
on. Business
needs to see concrete proposals and a commitment to implement
simplifications at the same time as any new
controls.”
On the timings of a new system, Josh
said:
“The Government must not introduce a new
system in 2021 that isn’t workable until 2025. Any new approach
will be a major change to the labour market, and firms must have
time to adapt.”
On migration linked to trade,
Josh said:
“To secure the best trade deals around
the world, the UK must be willing to put migration and labour
market access on the negotiating table – starting with the EU,
our most significant trading partner. Failing to recognise this
will hamper efforts to secure the UK the best trade terms
possible.”
