Home Secretary Priti Patel’s new points-based immigration system has met with criticism from across the
industry.
The new system, which takes effect from 1 January 2021, will end free movement,
reassert control of our borders and restore public trust.
It will assign points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or
professions and visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points.
Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), Brian Berry, warned
the new system could have a significant impact on construction delivery.
“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,” he
said. “(This) 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.”
British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said the speed and
scale of these changes would require significant adjustment by businesses throughout
the UK
“Companies are already investing heavily in home-grown talent across the UK,
but critical labour shortages mean firms will still need access to overseas
workers at all skill levels,” he added. “The new points system must be able to
respond quickly to changing market needs, and the application process must be
radically simplified.”
CITB Strategy and
Policy Director Steve Radley, gave a cautious welcome to plans
for 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,” he said.
“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.”
