Region's businesses learn more about post-brexit rules for hiring overseas workers - The Leamington Observer

Region's businesses learn more about post-brexit rules for hiring overseas workers

Leamington Editorial 15th Jul, 2020   0

BUSINESSES in Coventry and Warwickshire have learned more about how they would be able to hire overseas workers for skilled roles that they are unable to fill domestically when freedom of movement with the EU ends in January.

The government has published further details about how its immigration points system will operate for overseas workers – for which they will need a minimum of 70 points to gain entry into the UK.

Mandatory measures including having a licensed job sponsor, the job meeting a minimum skill level, and being able to speak English to an acceptable standard will earn the applicant 50 points.

The applicant must then obtain a further 20 ‘tradeable’ points, whether that is through their salary – which has to be at a minimum of £20,480 – or a job in an occupation where is a shortage of skills, or a relevant PhD.




The government has also announced it will set up a cross-departmental unit called the Office for Talent, which will make it easier for leading global scientists, researchers and innovators to come and live and work in the UK.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This update is welcome news for businesses in our region who are looking to address any skills gaps in the medium to long term future – particularly in the science, technology, engineering and manufacturing sectors.”


She said the immediate short-term priority for the majority of firms was surviving the impact of the Coronavirus lockdown .

“As businesses start to turn their attentions to thriving from longer term growth opportunities, so will the need to recruit additional talent,” she added.

“While we now have clarity over how hiring overseas workers looks, it is by no means a straight forward process, and it’s vital that businesses receive as much support as possible right from the moment they begin to explore overseas recruitment to ensure as a region – and country – we are maximising the talent available to us.”

British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said: “Businesses are investing in home-grown talent across the UK, but will still need to fill some roles from overseas.

“The new immigration system will mean thousands more firms will bear additional costs and bureaucracy when the skills they need cannot be found or developed locally.

“Carrying these new costs could be particularly challenging at a time when many businesses face reduced demand and historic cash flow difficulties as a result of Coronavirus.

“As the new system is implemented, businesses will need help to become sponsors – and will need to see immigration applications turned around quickly.

“The government must do everything it can to reduce the cumulative cost of employment, including the costs associated with immigration, to help businesses recover from the pandemic, hire with confidence, and seize future opportunities.”

Reader Travel

Check out all of the latest reader travel offers to get your hands on some free gifts.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Leamington Observer.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.