MSP’s concern over migration proposals
New proposals aimed at cutting migration numbers will have a negative impact on Rutherglen and Cambuslang, the area’s MSP has claimed.
Clare Haughey MSP was responding to Government plans introducing a £30,000-a-year minimum salary threshold for skilled EU national migrants, promising to cut net migration to the UK to ‘tens of thousands’.
The proposals, published last week, could result in an 85 per cent reduction in the number of EEA workers to Scotland, and Ms Haughey has now stated this would have an adverse effect locally.
She believes that the moves would lead to shortages in the NHS and with care providers.
Ms Haughey said: “Our NHS and care sector here in Rutherglen and Cambuslang is in real danger. These Tory proposals could cause catastrophic damage for our public services, and it is absolutely vital that we continue to attract people to live and work here.
“Tory plans on immigration will also devastate local businesses. Should the £30,000 salary threshold on EU migrants be introduced, it would slash the workforce available to Scottish firms.
“The SNP has repeatedly made the case for a tailored and progressive approach that addresses Scotland’s specific demographic and economic needs.
“If the UK Government are intent on implementing their damaging post-Brexit immigration plans, then the Scottish Parliament must be handed control of migration powers to protect Scotland’s specific interests.”
The policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland also raised concerns.
Andrew McRae said “These proposals will make it nigh impossible for the vast majority of Scottish firms to access any non-UK labour and the skills they need to grow and sustain their operations.”
If the White Paper becomes law, then low-skilled workers would be able to move between employers without sponsorship, but they would have no access to public funds, be prohibited from switching to another visa or reuniting with family, and would have no route to permanent settlement.