The U.K. government is set to introduce stricter immigration rules for foreign workers, which could exacerbate labor shortages in key sectors. This move has been met with criticism from businesses and trade unions, who warn that the rule changes will worsen existing shortages in industries such as health and social care.
Key Findings from the Migration Observatory
- According to a report by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford:
- 70% of care home staff are migrant workers who came through various visa routes available for healthcare professionals.
- There were 18,000 non-EU nurses working in England’s National Health Service (NHS) last year.
Concerns from Businesses
Businesses fear that British citizens cannot or will not fill the gaps created by worker and skills shortages. Sectors traditionally reliant on migrant staff are particularly concerned about the impact of the new rules.
- A care home manager noted:
- "It’s a struggle" to recruit British workers into these sectors.
- It has been years since they received any applications from British candidates for nursing positions.
Another care home manager stated:
- "We’ve got Indian nationals coming over here because we need them. The only way we’re going to get people looking after these residents is if we keep recruiting overseas."
Government’s Defense of the New Rules
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his government’s plan as a necessary step to address record migration figures by ensuring that people coming into the country earn the right to stay.
- Starmer stated:
- "We’ve got a failed experiment with open borders where nearly one million people arrived every year."
- "We need an immigration system that works for everyone, not just those who want cheaper labor at any cost."
New Hiring Proposals
Under the new proposals:
- Employers must demonstrate that there aren’t enough qualified locals before hiring someone from abroad.
- This could make it difficult for firms to fill certain roles requiring specialized knowledge or experience.
Trends in Visa Issuance
As a result of this change in policy:
- Visas issued above degree level have fallen sharply.
- Numbers below degree level have risen sharply—up 190% between 2019/20 and 2022/23, according to data published by UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI).
Sector Breakdown of Non-Degree Work Visas
- Healthcare and social services accounted for around 25% of all non-degree work visas granted last year.
- Other sectors closely following include:
- Hospitality/tourism
- Construction
Migration Statistics
- Net migration hit a record high during the pandemic but fell slightly afterward; however, it remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels at almost three-quarters-of-a-million per year.
- The U.K.’s net migration rate rose again between January and March this year compared to the same period last year, when it was already running well above pre-pandemic levels.
- Many migrants return each summer, so their numbers don’t add up over time; however, even accounting for seasonal fluctuations, net migration remains high.
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