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CBI warns Whitehall over migration

THE CBI has today called for the Government to ensure that the migration system is designed in a way that supports the economic recovery.

It must ensure that companies can operate in an international environment and call on specialist skills from abroad when necessary, the UK’s leading business group said.

In its submission to the Government’s consultation on limits on non-EU economic migration, the CBI says that keeping the UK “open for business” is crucial to supporting the recovery.

From next April, the Government will introduce an annual cap on non-EU economic migration, which will supplement the existing Points-Based System (PBS). Meanwhile, interim arrangements are already in place ahead of the introduction of the permanent cap.

John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said: “As the economy gears up for growth, the UK must demonstrate that it is open for business. Companies must be able to access the best and brightest talent from around the world.

“Interim arrangements are understandable to prevent a spike in applications ahead of the permanent cap. But the system is being poorly managed and proving a real headache for firms trying to keep on valued foreign members of staff, or recruit specialists from overseas.

“These problems are undermining confidence that the permanent cap will work. The migration system must support, not hamper growth. To do this, it should prioritise skilled workers with a job offer. This relatively small pool of workers doesn’t just earn money and pay taxes here, but also keep major employers and projects here, supporting many more UK jobs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .