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New immigration system 'could help SMEs recruit'

Published On 27 April 2007 at 09:01:18

A new 'point-based' immigration programme - due to be phased in by 2008 - could make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to recruit foreign workers, according to a leading law firm.

Last week, immigration minister Liam Byrne set out the new policy. Under the plan, individuals wanting to move to the UK will be graded into five categories which will take into account the worker's skills, experience, age and the level of need for staff in their particular sector.

Law firm DWF said that the new policy could reduce the red tape for SMEs when they look to recruit workers from overseas.

"There is a common misconception that the government's aim is to reduce the number of immigrants. This not the case," said Ansar Ali, a solicitor with the firm.

"The system aims to attract the most talented workers into the UK, to tackle abuse and manage immigration more effectively."

However, Mr Ali warned that the new system could make it harder for bosses looking to recruit low-paid workers from abroad in industries such as catering and cleaning.

"Since the new system is designed to reduce low-skilled migration, sectors which rely on cheap non-EEA labour are likely to be affected," Mr Ali explained.

"The risk is that this will serve only to exacerbate illegal migration and increase exploitation of workers in such sectors."

 

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