Following the publication today of the Government’s White Paper on the UK’s future skills based approach to immigration, civil engineering contractors have urged Government to continue speaking with industry to make the system work.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid announced a single route for both EU and non-EU highly skilled and skilled workers which would not be capped. A minimum salary threshold would be finalised after consultation with business.
He also proposed a transitional measure for the construction sector to institute a time-limited route for temporary short-term workers, with the final details being agreed after consultation.
Commenting, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) Alasdair Reisner said: “We welcome this opportunity for further consultation on the future of migration for workers.
“We are supporting an industry wide survey on the current and future shortage occupations in UK construction, to feed into the Migration Advisory Committee’s latest call for evidence.
“This survey is open to all organisations in the construction sector, and we are keen to ensure a robust response as we continue our discussions with the MAC and with Government.
“The UK construction sector has used EU and non-EU migrant labour to deliver the world-class infrastructure our country so desperately needs. While we understand Government’s concerns on this matter, and have worked to address the challenges faced, it is important not to lose sight of the benefits infrastructure can bring to all who live and work in the UK.”
Companies from across the UK construction sector are asked to respond to the Shortage Occupation survey, which can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/shortoccupations.
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