The government has adopted new rules designed to enhance job prospects for British workers following the recommendation of the Migrant Advisory Committee. The rules will tighten the conditions regarding the advertising of job vacancies in the UK to foreign skilled workers under the points-based system.
Immigration Associate Solicitor
Mark Barnett
comments:
The new rules will include the following changes:
• All jobs will first be advertised to British workers in Jobcentre Plus for four weeks (as opposed to the current two weeks) before being offered to workers from outside Europe;
• The qualifying period for overseas workers having worked for an overseas company wishing to transfer to their UK based company will extend from six months to a year; and
• The minimum salary to qualify within the foreign ‘skilled workers’ category entitled to work in the UK will increase from £17,000 to £20,000.
The policy reason given by the UK Border Agency behind the amended rules is essentially to give priority to British workers and discourage UK companies from seeking to transfer staff from their foreign group companies or as a cheap alternative.
For further information regarding these changes or assistance with any UK immigration and/or nationality matter, please contact Mark Barnett, Head of Immigration and Notary Public, at Steeles Law at immigration@steeleslaw.co.uk or on 020 7421 1720.