Responding to the Government’s briefing on the proposed points-based immigration system, Jasmine Whitbread, Chief Executive of London First, said:
“Businesses will breathe a sigh of relief that the Government has heeded our call and brought the salary threshold for skilled workers down, as a £30,000 bar would have wreaked havoc on the economy. We’ve consistently campaigned with others around the country for it to be set at around £20,000 and it is good to see that our evidence has made a difference.
“It’s right that organisations invest more in training up homegrown talent, but firms still need access to overseas workers to keep our economy at full strength and to deliver the Government’s ambitious agenda. With new rules coming into force in just 10 months, businesses need time to adapt, so a two-year temporary visa is a must for key sectors like hospitality, social care and logistics. The Government should also clarify ASAP when new sponsorship arrangements will come into place, so that small businesses can get ready in time.”
