Planned crackdown on EU migration could have ‘catastrophic’ effects - business groups
3 min read
Proposals to curb the number of low-skilled migrants coming to the UK after Brexit could have “catastrophic” consequences, business groups have warned.
The leaked Home Office paper, revealed by the Guardian last night, sets out a "more selective approach" to immigration, with a greater emphasis on jobs for British workers.
Under the plans free movement of people from the EU will end on the day Britain quits the bloc and low-skilled workers will have their residency limited to just two years.
The leaked 82-page document suggests those in “high-skilled occupations” will be able to stay for between three to five years.
Minette Batters, the National Farmers’ Union deputy, called for “clarity” and warned the “entire food supply chain” could be under threat.
"We are calling for an urgent and clear commitment from government to ensure that farmers and growers have access to sufficient numbers of permanent and seasonal workers post-Brexit.
"And we need clarity on the new rules for EU nationals living and working in the UK well before free movement ends in March 2019."
The British Hospitality Association said 75% of waiters, 25% of chefs and 37% of housekeepers in the UK are EU nationals, and warned it would take 10 years to train UK workers to do these jobs.
“If these proposals are implemented it could be catastrophic for the UK hospitality industry and for those who enjoy the hospitality it brings," said chief executive Ufi Ibrahim.
The director general of the Food and Drink Federation, Ian Wright, also strongly criticised the prospect of curbing immigration.
“If this does represent the Government's thinking it shows a deep lack of understanding of the vital contribution that EU migrant workers make - at all skill levels - across the food chain."
The paper says employers would be encouraged to recruit “resident labour”, with the possibility that EU nationals would have to seek permission before accepting a job.
New restrictions on European nationals bringing family members to the UK are also floated in the document, which is dated August 2017.
"The Government will take a view on the economic and social needs of the country as regards EU migration, rather than leaving this decision entirely to those wishing to come here and employers," the paper says.
But it suggests the new regime would only become fully active after a transitional period which could last up to three years.
Theresa May has insisted that net migration must come down to the tens of thousands, despite warnings that it could damage the economy.
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