UK ‘should let in academics based on skill’

MOST BRITISH adults think the UK’s immigration system should let academics into the country based on skills rather than how well they are paid, research suggests.

A poll indicated 80 per cent of British adults agree scientists, academics and support staff should be allowed to work in this country at any stage of their career.

In the Savanta ComRes survey, 87 per cent said it was more important that the UK’s immigration system attracts university staff who are highly skilled. About three per cent of British adults said it was more important for the immigration system to attract university staff who are highly paid.

Conducted on behalf of Universities UK, the poll asked 4,042 British adults a series of questions between November 22 and 26. Some 69 per cent of respondents felt a points-based immigration system should be designed so scientists, academics and their support staff score highly.

Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, said: “This polling shows the strength of feeling among the British public that immigrants should be welcomed into the country on the strength of their skills rather than facing a system that judges them on their income.”