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Will new migrant worker rules exacerbate construction’s woes?
Summary
The new migrant worker rules proposed by the UK government will increase the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700. This could have a negative effect on construction firms that rely on overseas talent, as it may prevent them from using the sponsorship system to fill key roles. The Shortage Occupation List may offer an exception, with several construction roles being added to the list earlier this year. Construction firms should gather evidence to provide meaningful commentary to the Migration Advisory Committee, and should also be aware of other options available outside of sponsorship.
Q&As
What is the government's recently announced five-point plan aimed at reducing net migration?
The government's recently announced five-point plan aimed at reducing net migration is to increase the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700.
What is the current minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas?
The current minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas is £26,200.
What is the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) and how will it be rebranded?
The Shortage Occupation List (SOL) is a list of occupations that are in short supply in the UK and will be rebranded as an Immigration Salary List.
What roles in the construction sector may be included on the new Immigration Salary List?
Roles in the construction sector that may be included on the new Immigration Salary List include those that were added to the SOL this summer.
What other options may be available to employers who rely on overseas talent?
Other options that may be available to employers who rely on overseas talent include taking advantage of liberalisations of the rules for business visitors and the Youth Mobility Scheme.
AI Comments
👍 This article provides an informative insight into the recent proposals to reduce net migration and how this could affect the construction sector and its reliance on overseas talent.
👎 The proposed changes to the skilled worker visa and Shortage Occupation List may have a detrimental effect on the construction sector, potentially exacerbating labour shortages and raising barriers for foreign workers.
AI Discussion
Me: It's about how the new migrant worker rules proposed by the government may affect the construction industry. It looks at the changes to the skilled worker visa and the Shortage Occupation List, and how industry feedback may be able to sway the government.
Friend: That's concerning. If the minimum salary threshold for skilled worker visas goes up to £38,700, it could make it harder for construction firms to hire foreign workers. It could also exacerbate the existing labour shortages in the industry.
Me: Exactly. It's also worth noting that the Shortage Occupation List is getting rebranded as an Immigration Salary List. It's unclear what the lower salary threshold will be, but there is hope that construction roles may be included, which would be beneficial.
Friend: Right. I think it's important for the industry to get involved and provide feedback to the government. This could help them make decisions that will be beneficial for the construction sector.
Action items
- Gather evidence outlining the need for sponsorship within the construction industry and the need for a lower salary threshold to provide meaningful commentary to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC).
- Assess which job profiles may be affected by the increased salary threshold and consider bringing forward applications before the rule change.
- Become familiar with the full range of options available to construction firms outside of sponsorship and take advantage of any expansions where possible.
Technical terms
- Net Migration
- The difference between the number of people entering a country and the number of people leaving a country.
- Skilled Worker Visa
- A type of visa that allows companies to sponsor individuals to work in the UK, with the possibility of obtaining permanent residence after five years.
- Shortage Occupation List (SOL)
- A list of occupations that are in high demand and have a shortage of qualified workers.
- Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)
- A committee of experts that provides advice to the UK government on migration issues.
- Immigration Salary List
- A list of occupations that are eligible for a lower salary threshold and visa application fee.
- Youth Mobility Scheme
- A visa program that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years.