Migrants needed

There is a very real shortage of skills in the restaurant industry, a problem which is to an extent addressed by immigrants who are willing and able to take up the work.

The Restaurant Association has campaigned hard alongside industry representatives to argue for a lower salary threshold to be set for our industry and we are pleased that we have been heard.

Minister Michael Woodhouse said the new mid-skilled remuneration band recognises the fact that these workers are filling genuine skill shortages.

Other issues highlighted during consultation are being addressed during the second phase of the review of temporary migration settings. These include developing a framework for further targeting of immigration settings by sectors and regions, developing proposals to incentivise and reward good employer behaviour, and ensuring that seasonal work visas reflect seasonal work.

Marisa Bidois, chief executive, Restaurant Association