Yorkshire Post

Call to reform immigratio­n system for a competitiv­e UK

- MILES CELIC: The chief executive of TheCityUK says the UK’s success is built on openness.

THE GOVERNMENT urgently needs to reform the UK’s immigratio­n system to help Britain remain globally competitiv­e beyond Brexit, according to a new report by TheCityUK and EY.

The report states that the UK must have access to skilled overseas talent to ensure it remains a leading internatio­nal financial centre.

A spokesman for TheCityUK and EY said: “Global, outwardloo­king businesses need diverse expertise at many different skill levels.

“The UK must have a robust and flexible immigratio­n system for business which is fit for the whole economy and gives firms the ability to fill skilled roles efficientl­y, especially where there are shortages.

“Any future trade agreements with the EU, or other jurisdicti­ons, can then be built on this foundation, offering further streamline­d immigratio­n routes between the UK and its trade partners.”

The report – The UK’s future immigratio­n system and access to talent – warns that following Brexit, the cost to firms bringing skilled European workers into the UK could increase by up to 300 per cent if existing immigratio­n rules are applied unchanged to European citizens, and if planned Tier 2 visa fee increases come into effect.

Miles Celic, the chief executive of TheCityUK, said: “Britain’s success is built on openness.

“Being able to attract and retain the most talented people with the right skills, from both the UK and overseas, is a top priority for business leaders across the industry. The UK’s ability to draw global talent has long been a competitiv­e advantage.

“Losing this could undermine Britain’s position as the world’s leading financial centre.

“A basic immigratio­n system that is fit for the UK’s needs, future-focused and fair is essential. Simply applying the current immigratio­n system for non-European citizens to European citizens after Brexit will not work. Doing so is likely to worsen existing skills shortages and make it much harder to attract the talent British firms need to compete on the world stage following Brexit.”

Margaret Burton, a partner specialisi­ng in global immigratio­n at EY, said: “As we approach Brexit, there is a real need to review and reform the UK’s immigratio­n policy to ensure it supports businesses and skilled overseas talent looking to contribute to the UK economy.”

 ??  ?? There is a real need to review and reform the UK’s immigratio­n policy. Margaret Burton of EY.
There is a real need to review and reform the UK’s immigratio­n policy. Margaret Burton of EY.

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