Finally, Home Secretary Priti Patel has yielded the carrot that was dangled before Leave voters: a new points-based immigration system, à la Australia. However, housebuilders fear that new restrictions will wall off keyworkers.
On 1 January 2021, freedom of movement will come shuddering to a halt. Anyone wishing to work in the UK after this date will be at the mercy of a points-based system which considers specific skills, qualifications and salaries. Sadly, it is feared that many construction workers and apprentices will slip under this threshold.
Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Brian Berry, said: “If we are to have an infrastructure revolution and build a million new homes over the next five years, we will need to have an immigration system that allows for key construction workers of all skill levels to come to the UK.
“Today’s announcement that there will no longer be a route for “low skill” workers after next year will hamper the construction industry’s capacity to deliver on key projects. We will need general labourers as much as architects or surveyors. They are a core part of the construction industry and it’s simply unrealistic to assume the domestic workforce will fill this gap in the next nine months.”
The new single global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally. It promises gives top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Today is a historic moment for the whole country. We’re ending free movement, taking back control of our borders and delivering on the people’s priorities by introducing a new UK points-based immigration system, which will bring overall migration numbers down.”
Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK. All applicants will be required to have a job offer and, in line with the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations, the minimum salary threshold will be set at £25,600.
The new points-based system will also expand the skills threshold for skilled workers. Those looking to live and work in the UK will now need to be qualified up to A level or equivalent, rather than degree level under the current system.
In line with the government’s manifesto commitment there will be no specific route for low-skilled workers, although it has been said that the system will be sympathetic to industry shortages.
However, it is estimated 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route.
CITB Strategy and Policy Director Steve Radley, said: “CITB cautiously welcomes lowering the salary threshold for skilled migrants, increasing the number of construction occupations eligible to work in the UK, and the commitment to monitor and respond to skills shortages.
“These policies are essential in light of the Government’s expanded public investment programme and big ambitions for new homes.
“However, we need to see how this will work in practice, and to agree how we can minimise the impact of restrictions on low skilled workers. We will also work with Government to ensure self-employed people can continue to work in the UK construction industry through a new route that doesn’t require employer sponsorship.
“We also note the government’s commitment to investing in home grown talent and look forward to discussing how the apprenticeship system and Further Education can deliver better outcomes for industry.”
Student visa routes will also be points-based and be opened up to EU citizens. Those wishing to study in the UK will need to demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, that they can support themselves financially and that they speak English.
Paul Morgan, Managing Director, Audley Group said: “Roadblocks continue to be thrown across the path of companies, and people, working to support the growing ageing population in the UK. The need for specialist retirement properties is great, as is the need to support the struggling social care system. By introducing restrictions, the country risks thwarting the flow of qualified, skilled and dedicated workers into both sectors.
“Our 700 strong workforce, across care, housebuilding, hospitality, is one we are incredibly proud to invest in. Upskilling employees, with training and new apprenticeship schemes, is vital during this period of change and will support future growth and expansion for not just Audley, but the entire housebuilding and care industry. But that will not be enough. We will need Government to make a commitment too. We have an ageing and low skilled workforce in the UK. We will do our best but they need to respond too.”
PICTURE CREDIT: Department for International Development via Flickr
