Starmer would stop overseas workers’ lower pay

BUSINESSES would be prevented from easing staff shortages by hiring cheaper overseas workers under immigration plans unveiled by Labour.

Sir Keir Starmer said he wants to scrap rules that allow firms to pay 20% below the going rate to hire overseas workers for jobs on the shortage occupation list.

Healthcare, engineering and IT are among the sectors where someone can be paid 80% of the usual going rate to qualify for a skilled worker visa.

Labour leader Sir Keir’s pitch to ensure firms hire UK staff came at Prime Minister’s Questions ahead of the release of figures expected to show record levels of net migration.

He also mocked Home Secretary Suella Braverman over her handling of a speeding ticket, telling the Commons: “The Prime Minister stood on three Tory manifestos, each one promised to reduce immigration.

Each promise broken. They (Conservative backbenchers) all stood on those manifestos as well.

“Why does he think his Home Secretary seems to have such a problem coping with points-based systems?”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak replied: “Just this week we announced the biggest-ever single measure to tackle legal migration, removing the right for international students to bring dependents.

“But what is (Sir Keir’s) contribution? There are absolutely no ideas. Why? Because he believes in an open-door migration policy.”

Sir Keir asked Mr Sunak if he thinks his policy is encouraging businesses to train people “here or hire from abroad”? He said: “The reason they are issuing so many visas is labour and skill shortages. And the reason there are shortages is the low-wage Tory economy.”