Recruitment ‘crisis’ fears over the new UK policy on immigration

Local businesses have said the UK Government’s new immigration policy will cause a “recruitment crisis” across Perth and Kinross.

Earlier this week, the government introduced proposals which would see strict new visa rules on a points-based system.

This system would make it difficult for those earning below £25,600 or with an education level below PhD to enter the UK to work.

Sectors such as agriculture, care and tourism are expected to be worst hit.

Jill Kerr, chief executive of Balhousie Care Group, which runs a number of care homes in Perth and Kinross, has said Westminster needs to reconsider the policy, adding they are already struggling to recruit staff.

She said: “The care sector is in the midst of what can only be termed a recruitment crisis and it’s difficult to see how the government’s new immigration strategy will improve matters, given the number of highly valued employees in the sector who are recruited from Europe.

“The knock-on effect of the new strategy is potentially huge, which is why we think Westminster should review the rules and have a good look again at the implications.

“We’re already seeing a ‘Brexit effect’ at Balhousie Care Group.

“Working in care doesn’t require previous experience in the industry, but a passion for caring for people.

“We would encourage candidates to consider a truly rewarding career in care.”

A local farmer from Highland Perthshire has said the area’s soft fruit and vegetables industry will be seriously impacted by this new immigration system.

Martin Kennedy, who is also vice president of NFU Scotland, said farmers will struggle to harvest crops at the right time if they do not get enough seasonal workers to help out.

He said: “Perth and Kinross delivers some of the finest soft fruit and vegetables in the world to plates across the UK and

Europe but these forwardthinking, innovative growers along with packers and processors cannot function without access to seasonal and permanent non-UK staff.

“The substantial growth seen in these sectors will be put at risk by the UK Government’s proposals for migration and the introduction of a pointsbased system.

“It fails to provide enough options for seasonal and permanent non-UK workers to come and work in our vibrant food and farming sectors, undermining its contribution to the Scottish economy.”

Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, said: “If the home secretary introduces this, then she will be seriously threatening the future of farming in Perth and Kinross and indeed the entirety of the UK.

“I will be consulting with representatives from the farming and tourism industries and I will be making representations to the home secretary accordingly.”

The first phase of the policy is due to be rolled out in 2021, and is based on the offer of a job, a job at an appropriate skills level, the ability to speak English and having a salary above £25,600 and a qualification of £25,600.

A statement on the UK Government’s website said: “For too long, distorted by European free movement rights, the immigration system has been failing to meet the needs of the British people.

“We are implementing a new system that will transform the way in which all migrants come to the UK to work, study, visit or join their family.

“It will also revolutionise the operation of the UK border, tighten security and deliver a better customer experience for those coming to the UK.”