The UK’s plan to curb legal migration is expected to push London into a recruitment crisis, warned Mayor Sadiq Khan. Khan criticized the government’s approach, stating that the failure to invest in training the domestic workforce will leave London businesses struggling to find the necessary staff.
Legal migration has played a significant role in the political landscape of Britain, with high levels of migration influencing the Brexit vote in 2016. To address record net migration figures, the British government recently announced plans to reduce the number of migrants entering through legal routes and increase the minimum salary requirement for skilled jobs by a third.
James Cleverly, the Home Secretary (interior minister), stated that these measures could potentially reduce the number of migrants by 300,000. The government intends to raise the minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers from £26,200 to £38,700, with exceptions for health and social workers.
However, Mayor Khan described these policies as misguided, emphasizing the need to train the domestic workforce adequately. He highlighted the crucial role immigrants have played in London’s success, working alongside trained British workers across various sectors such as care homes, restaurants, and the arts industry.
Khan argued that while more should be done to train British workers with the necessary skills, the government’s immigration policies would inevitably lead to a recruitment crisis. This, he cautioned, would have severe consequences not only for London but for the entire UK in terms of public services and the economy.
Cleverly, on the other hand, emphasized the government’s commitment to ending the practice of paying migrants only 80% of the going rate for jobs facing significant worker shortages. He stated that the government would create a new immigration salary list featuring a reduced number of occupations.
As the debate unfolds, the future of legal migration in the UK remains uncertain. The government aims to prioritize the interests and needs of British workers, reducing reliance on foreign labor. However, concerns about the impact on various industries and the ability of businesses to function smoothly without a sufficient workforce loom large.
It is evident that striking a balance between controlling migration and maintaining the vitality of the economy will be a formidable challenge. The outcome of these policies will not only shape the future of London but could also have far-reaching implications for the entire country.
In conclusion, Mayor Sadiq Khan has raised concerns about the UK’s plan to restrict legal migration, warning of a potential recruitment crisis that could hit London’s businesses hard. While the government aims to prioritize domestic training, Khan argues that immigrants have made significant contributions to the city’s success and emphasizes the need for a well-trained workforce. As policy changes are implemented, the future of legal migration and its impact on various sectors and the overall economy remain uncertain.
