CBI responds to MAC report

The CBI has responded to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on salary thresholds and a points-based immigration system. 

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief UK Policy Director, said: 

“Businesses know free movement is ending. A new immigration system that is fair and sustainable from day one is as important for many firms as our future trading relationships.

“Reducing the headline salary threshold will be welcomed by businesses, which argued that a £30,000 cap would be damaging. Yet even with a commitment to world class business training, it remains unclear how firms can hire for mid-skilled roles such as LGV drivers, joiners and lab technicians who don’t meet the £25,600 test.

“Flexibility will be needed to build a system that lets wages rise where there are shortages while helping businesses to access the skills and labour needed to grow all parts of the UK.

“Business looks forward to working in partnership with government to get this new system right.” 

Notes to Editors: 

Last week the UK’s five biggest business groups, along with more than 30 trade associations, outlined in a joint open letter to the Home Secretary how a new immigration system could work.