Employers call for EU worker rule changes

North East business bosses are calling for changes to the system which allows EU nationals into the country.

The North East Chamber of Commerce says the pointsbased system which came into force since Brexit has increased the cost or employing key workers, the salary threshold of £25,600 and the process is to complex.

Chamber policy advisor Niamh Corcoran said: “Six months from us leaving the EU we are hearing worrying anecdotal evidence from our members about substantial challenges in finding the right staff. As the economy gradually reopens, it is vital that Nortjh East firms are able to recruit the talent they need.

“Whilst many firms are working hard to grow their businesses historically the higher than average regional employment rates for EU migrants in the North East highlights that there is strong demand for international labour which the existing local working age population cannot fulfil.”

Chamber member Ward Hadaway’s P art nerRoi sin Pat ton, said :“We have a number of clients that have experienced difficulty as a result of the new system. “One client has had particular difficulty in recruiting short-term labour from Europe.

“Clients are also concerned about the obligations and strict compliance rules when they sponsor an individual under the new system. This combined with the cost and complexity of recruitment under the points-based system is acting as a deterrent to recruiting beyond the UK.”

The Chamber wants salary thresholds linked to regional, not national levels, and a broader shortage occupation list to accommodate regional skills gaps.