The decision was welcomed by UK Government Minister for
Scotland who
said:
This is good news for the Scottish industry,
particularly the demersal – or white fish –fleet, and
represents the fruits of close co-operation between
Government and industry.
We have listened to concerns that crewing problems
have been particularly acute here with some boats
unable to fish within 12 miles of the shore because
of visa restrictions on their vital deckhands. The
new arrangements should quickly ease these
difficulties.
Mike Park, Chief Executive of the Scottish White Fish
Producers’ Association, said:
This is something we have been campaigning about for
over four years and the industry will find it very
useful and supportive. It is of particular
significance for vessels operating in the remoter
parts of the west of Scotland and helps those vessels
who faced problems when forced to operate outside the
12-mile limit, and helps too with landing crew for
essential rest periods.
The change means that although deckhands are not being
added to the UK’s Shortage Occupation List (SOL) –
which specifies which jobs have insufficient resident
workers – they will become eligible for Skilled Worker
visas which should make recruitment from abroad easier.
To qualify, their sponsoring employer must be offering
a salary of at least £25,600, in line with other
non-shortage occupations. If the deckhand is a ‘new
entrant’ (mainly those under the age of 26), a lower
salary threshold of £20,480 will apply. In all cases,
their pay must also be at least £10.10 per hour. The
changes take effect from 6 April.
