Following the recent wildcat strikes reported in the media, those keen to uphold the often repeated ‘British jobs for British people' mantra will welcome the new points based immigration system that comes into effect on the 1st April, requiring workers from outside the European Economic Area to meet more stringent criteria before being able to work in the UK.
 
Highly skilled foreign workers will be required to have earned £20,000 over a 12-month period, an increase from the previous £16,000 and will be required to have at least a Masters degree rather than a Bachelors degree. For skilled workers, all vacancies must be advertised in the JobCentre Plus before the employer can bring in workers from outside Europe, ensuring that the ‘resident labour market test' is met.
 
These changes, however, may cause problems within professions that lack employees with essential skill sets, such as the construction sector and performing arts.
 
In industries that rely upon certain employee skills and expertise, of which there is currently a shortage in the UK, it could potentially cripple many businesses at a time when they are already struggling to survive. Employers will undoubtedly experience delays and difficulties in getting the staff they need.
 
There is no way for businesses to avoid the new system, although if it does become apparent that there is a shortage of skills, then this will be used to trigger skill reviews that focus on training resident workers for these occupations.