LONDON- The introduction of a new immigration system after Brexit by Britain is feared to be too complicated and may cause a skilled worker shortage.
The Confederation of British Industry surveyed 304 businesses which employ over 830,000 people and over 70% of them reported reduced access to skilled workers which was proving to be the biggest threat to Britain’s labour market. Over half of the total companies expected hurt if the immigration policy will not be simplified soon.
The reelected Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposal is inspired by the Australian points-based system wherein those who are “exceptionally talented” are fast-tracked into Britain post-Brexit.
“It’s clear what’s weighing on businesses minds is uncertainty about the new immigration system,” CBI policy director Matthew Fell said. “Whatever the final shape, it needs to be simple from its first day of introduction.”
The EU citizen net migration into Britain has dropped in the last 12 months to June to 48,000, which is the lowest since 2009, according to official data.
According to the CBI, 65% of the survey’s respondents felt that the labour market in Britain has transformed into one that’s less attractive for investments and businesses over the past five-year duration. Hiring expectations have also become weaker than in 2017 and 2018, the survey states.
(Content and photos syndicated via Reuters)