On Tuesday, October 3, the British government received a recommendation from the independent immigration counselor to eliminate one of the main methods used by businesses to hire foreign workers in sectors where there is a severe shortage of skilled local workers. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) stated that providing low-wage workers with more hiring options increased the likelihood of exploitation. The purpose of hiring the MAC was to review the Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
Business lobby groups have already urged the government to increase the number of professions on the list to aid businesses with difficulty finding qualified employees after Brexit. However, the committee added that low-wage migrants were more likely to incur a net fiscal cost for Britain and that the heavy administrative costs of the program rendered it unprofitable for many enterprises.
The panel stated in its report that these concerns mean that we are not convinced that the SOL provides a sensible immigration solution to shortage issues in low-wage sectors, and so our preference is for the government to abolish it. For jobs on the list, which includes positions like bricklayers and care providers, employers can hire migrant workers at 80% of the “going rate” for a job in Britain.
According to MAC, sectors with a going rate below that level profited, especially from being on the list as having a shortage of occupation, can allow firms to bypass the standard minimum pay requirement for a skilled worker visa of 26,200 pounds (about R600,000).
Additional Read: The Departure of More than 500,000 Workers Put the UK Economy in Danger.
MAC also stated that no company should be permitted to pay less than the going rate as this would safeguard local workers from being undercut and prevent the exploitation of migrants. However, the Home Office of Great Britain could not comment on the news right away.
The MAC stated that it might instead focus on adjustments to areas like pay, training, and investment in technology while also looking at specific industries or occupations with pressing labor market difficulties.
Additionally, the committee stated about these initiatives that this is “likely to be a more sustainable response to the problems.”
In conclusion, securing a UK Skills Shortage Visa can be a complex and daunting process, but it is definitely worth the effort if you are a skilled worker looking to work in the UK. At Dynamic Staffing Services, we understand the importance of finding the right talent for UK employers, and we are committed to providing top-notch recruitment services to both employers and job seekers.
We hope that these essential tips will help you navigate the right talent for your business. Call us at +44-7477196844 or email enquiry@dss-hr.co.uk to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
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