- \n
- Offer of job by approved sponsor: 20<\/span><\/li>\n
- Job at appropriate skill level: 20<\/span><\/li>\n
- Speaks English at required level: 10<\/span><\/li>\n
- Salary of \u00a320,480 (minimum) \u2013 \u00a323,039: 0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Salary of \u00a323,040 \u2013 \u00a325,599: 10<\/span><\/li>\n
- Salary of \u00a325,600 or above: 20<\/span><\/li>\n
- Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the MAC): 20<\/span><\/li>\n
- Education qualification: PhD in subject relevant to the job: 10<\/span><\/li>\n
- Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job: 20<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s already been pointed out by some experts that this system is only likely to inflate the skills shortage and deepen problems for sectors like the NHS<\/a>, which needs workers that generally won\u2019t be able to meet the minimum 70 points needed for a working visa, due to salary or skills requirements not being met. The Government says that the Migration Advisory Committee will continually assess demands, and they will apply recommendations while offering easier access to in-demand jobs for migrant workers.<\/p>\n
Even so, some sectors have already stated they expect to face serious workforce shortages as a result of the new immigration system, claiming that the government just isn\u2019t approaching the situation realistically.\u00a0Here\u2019s a snapshot of some of the industries most likely to be affected by the new policy, and what this could mean in the long term for both them and the wider UK economy.<\/p>\n
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Transport and Logistics<\/h2>\n
\nSome of the most vocal criticism of the new immigration policy has come from this sector, and it\u2019s easy to see why. Currently, transport and logistics companies are working to very tight profit margins – around 1 or 2%, according to the Road Haulage Association<\/a>. This, combined with the already serious staffing shortages across the industry, the failure of the Apprenticeship levy to be of any actual value, and the fact that around 13% of the entire logistics workforce is from the EU, starts to paint quite a problematic picture for the sector.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"\/explore\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/1807.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Government has stated it wants to move away from \u2018low-skilled\u2019 jobs using automation and AI, but industry experts have claimed this is a fantasy. UK Warehousing Association<\/a> CEO Peter Ward suggested that ‘..while it is true that the use of automation is growing across the logistics industry, there are many roles within a typical warehouse operation that remain difficult to automate. Although recent developments have made automation more scalable and flexible, for many warehouse operators the outlay on the type of fixed assets found in automated systems, is impossible to justify. Furthermore, automation does not replace a workforce, but creates new jobs with different skills, which needs investment in training and cannot be achieved overnight.’<\/p>\n
While Priti Patel has claimed that any staffing gaps can be filled by the 8 million economically inactive people in the UK, things aren\u2019t so simple in reality. Firstly, those categorised as \u2018economically inactive\u2019 are mainly students, retirees, and those that are unfit to work. Secondly, despite the \u2018low-skilled\u2019 designation, HGV driving requires around \u00a35000 of training investment. This cost will be difficult to absorb for transport firms given the tight margins. What\u2019s more, attracting younger drivers is proving difficult, with less than 1% of HGV drivers under 25.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Travel and Tourism<\/h2>\n
\nThe travel and tourism sector is a major employer of \u2018low-skilled\u2019 workers, especially from abroad. While there are efforts in place to try and recruit more UK workers for the roles available in this industry, the simple fact is that many Brits just don’t want to work in lower-paid service jobs. This need has so far been met by foreign workers, many of whom are from the EU. Lex Butler, chair of the Hotels Booking Agents Association<\/a>, compounded this: \u2018The \u2018economically inactive\u2019 suggested by the home secretary are not the solution. We are already making every effort to encourage them to take up the many exciting career opportunities in our industry, but the UK unemployed aren\u2019t interested in lower-paid \u2018service jobs.\u2019<\/p>\n
![\"Guests](\"\/explore\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/741.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTourism in the UK currently generates around \u00a3146 billion, contributing around 3 million jobs. Despite being such a large contributor to the economy, the Government seems to have overlooked the importance of this sector according to analysts and industry leaders. The focus is often on bringing in workers with PhDs or strong grades in STEM subjects. This is, however, at odds with the actual reality of what composes the UK workforce.<\/p>\n
In response to the government\u2019s preference for using technology to alleviate the potential shortage of \u2018low-skilled\u2019 workers, Julie Grieve, CEO of tech provider Criton<\/a>, had this to say:\u00a0\u2018Within the government report they cite \u2018wider investment in technology and automation\u2019. Technology has an enormous role to play within our industry and as yet it remains mostly untapped, but it\u2019s there to support guests and staff, to streamline operations and increase revenue. It fundamentally underpins what makes businesses such as hotels more efficient. But it\u2019s our hospitality workers and colleagues who drive our economy, provide that \u2018warm welcome\u2019 recognised around the world and deliver a reason for visitors to return to the UK time and time again.\u2019<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Waste and Recycling<\/h2>\n
\nOfficial government estimates suggest that around 70% of the recycling and waste management workforce is made up of EU nationals. The salary threshold is the main cause for concern for this sector, as many immigrant workers will be locked out from these jobs come January 2021. Much like the logistics and transport sector, the loss of capable drivers is a serious concern here as well. Attracting UK workers is once again proving a challenge due to low salaries, and there\u2019s no reason to think this will change after the immigration rules come into effect.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"\/explore\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/375.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAccording to Matt Spaul, MD of the managed service division at Smart Solutions<\/a>: \u2018The waste and resources industry is heavily reliant on the EU migrant workforce, especially in MRFs or for collection crews and drivers. This just adds to the pressures we\u2019re already experiencing \u2013 there\u2019s already record low unemployment in the UK, and it\u2019s difficult to attract candidates to an unsexy industry. While the industry typically pays the national living wage or even higher, there aren\u2019t many highly-paid roles. This means the \u00a325,000 threshold doesn\u2019t help as the majority of workers will not meet it.\u2019<\/p>\n
There are similar concerns from the recycling industry, with Alan Wheeler, director of the Textile Recycling Association<\/a> stating that the industry needs special provision to recruit picking line and forklift operators: \u2018If we do not get special dispensation, not only will we not be able to develop sorting operations here, but will probably force many to close or move off-shore, making it even more difficult for us to trace what happens to clothes. It could also result in a serious impact on the government\u2019s climate change commitments. Priti Patel and the home office need to stop working in their silo, get a grip on how their blinkered decisions will have serious impacts on their own government\u2019s commitments and priorities and actually take heed of what the industry leaders are telling her.\u2019<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Food and Retail Manufacturing<\/h2>\n
\n - Job at appropriate skill level: 20<\/span><\/li>\n
![\"A](\"\/explore\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/238.jpg\")
<\/p>\n