Business welcomes immigration plans
BUSINESS leaders expressed relief yesterday after the Government set out its immigration plans.
Concern had grown that a strict limit on immigration would leave businesses unable to recruit staff with the necessary skills and would hamper the ability of global corporations to move staff easily in and out of the UK.
However, setting out plans to cut the number of skilled workers from outside the European Union entering Britain to 21,700, down from the current 28,000, Home Secretary Theresa May made a series of key concessions including offering an exemption to intra-company transfers.
John Cridland, CBI director-general designate, said: “This announcement shows that the Government has listened to the needs of business and has acted to support the recovery. This is a good result for the economy and for the country as a whole, and sends out the message that Britain really is open for business.
“Crucially, the design of the new system prioritises the routes of entry that matter most to the economy. The new system rightly gives priority to people with a job offer over those without one, so companies will still be able to access talent from around the world.
“Exempting most ‘intra-company transfers’ from the cap will also allow firms with international operations to manage their global workforce effectively. This will make sure that the UK remains an attractive place to base new projects and investment, which means more jobs for UK workers.”
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Business will be pleased to see that the Government has taken its concerns on board.
“At the same time, businesses will hold the Home Secretary to her pledge to ensure that businesses will still have the flexibility to hire according to their needs. In a globalised economy, it is essential that multinationals can transfer senior employees to the UK and that business can fill skills gaps when required.
“It is right that companies that require skilled workers for a specific job move to the front of the queue, as these individuals are essential for economic growth and ensuring that the UK remains competitive.
“Now the Government must work with business to ensure that the new criteria allow the best and the brightest into the UK. Attracting more entrepreneurs and investors from overseas will contribute towards making 2011 a year for growth.”
