Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Plans to curb migrants ‘will harm Ulster’
GOVERNMENT plans to limit immigration will “stifle” the Northern Ireland economy, it has been warned.
Employers already “struggling to fill vacancies” will be hit hard by plans to restrict workers earning less than £30,000 coming into the UK, the Confederation of British Industry has claimed.
The group outlined the “severe difficulties” businesses would face post-brexit if the salary threshold recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee is introduced.
The CBI revealed 71% of workers in Ulster earn less than the limit and the median private sector wage is £22,016 – below the UK average of £24,006.
The manufacturing sector, where 72% earn under £30,000, would be “particularly impacted”.
CBI chief Angela Mcgowan added: “Access to overseas workers after Brexit is vital to drive growth and prosperity.
“The current proposals risk significant harm at a time of uncertainty.”