While pre-briefings last week had already revealed much of the contents of the new Immigration White Paper, for employers already suffering skills shortages, these latest reforms will make it harder than ever to recruit much-needed staff in areas such as the care and hospitality industries.
“Also key to employers is exactly when the rules are to be implemented, and whether those already on their immigration ‘journey’ in the UK are to be affected. The likelihood is that this will be the case, due to the vast number of migrants able to settle in the UK from next year under the current rules.”
Below are some of the key areas of the Immigration White Paper which will affect UK employers struggling to recruit.
Closing the care worker visa for overseas recruitment
“We already know from our work with employers in the care sector that they are finding it extremely difficult to recruit sufficient staff. By closing the care worker visa to new overseas recruits, tens of thousands of care workers will be prevented from coming to the UK (based on current overseas hiring figures), which will have an immediate effect on employers trying to maintain sufficient staffing and make recruitment of much needed skills even harder.
“Overall, the government has stated that it wants to cut up to 50,000 lower-skilled and care workers coming to the UK over the next year and concentrate on finding employment for those overseas workers (and dependants) currently residing in the UK.”
English language level to be increased to B2 level (‘A’ Level standard) for Skilled Workers and to A1 level for dependants
“Skilled Workers entering the UK will need to demonstrate a higher level of English language. This has the potential to decimate the hospitality, care and construction hiring markets. Also, for the first time, adult dependants of Skilled Workers will need to prove their knowledge by passing English language tests at the basic A1 level and progressing throughout their stay in the UK.”
Linking the ability to sponsor Skilled Workers with training local hires
“We don’t know how this will work in principle, and if there will be different rules for small to medium or large employers. If Skilled Workers are to be limited in this way, we could see a rise in Global Business Mobility (GBM) sponsorship again. This route reduced in popularity when the Points Based System (PBS) was redesigned in December 2020. GBM sponsorship does not lead to settlement in the UK, it also does not carry an English language requirement. Workers are mainly here to impart knowledge or work on specific projects.”
Limiting Graduate Visas to 18 months
“This would have the effect of moving Graduate Visa holders into higher-skilled and higher-paid vacancies sooner, otherwise running the risk of them having to leave the UK.”
Skilled Worker Route will also have a degree-level vacancy as the barrier to entry
“The Skilled Worker Route will also now carry a qualification threshold of RQF Level 6 – equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. For roles that do not meet the new skill level, access to the immigration system will be strictly limited. While this will not be a problem for ‘shortage occupations’, it does present a particular problem for the hospitality industry, which does not appear on these lists.”
Increasing ILR to 10 continuous years (from 5) with increased checks on absences from the UK and finances.
“With the explosion of Skilled Workers due to qualify for settlement in the UK from 2026, it is expected that this rule change will be implemented soon. We expect some public sector workers and rare Global Talent migrants who contribute to society and the economy to still qualify after five continuous years. For others, it could mean a lot of extra expense for employers with sponsorship extension applications, especially now that there is a planned uplift in the Skills Charge by 32% in line with inflation.
“Employers have already been hit by a recent increase in costs for hiring overseas workers, and now this could be more than doubled over the course of a Skilled Worker’s requirement to remain in the UK for 10 years before they are eligible for settlement.
“Furthermore, the UK will become a relative outlier on the global stage where 10 years to gain settlement is rare, questioning how attractive the UK will be to those with the skills and expertise the UK requires to be an economic powerhouse.”
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