Introduction
A globally competitive immigration system is essential so that UK employers are able to attract international talent where key roles cannot be easily filled through domestic skills.
We work closely with the government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to ensure that the skills needs of the food and drink manufacturing industry are being considered and to help build a strong pipeline of talent, both domestic and international.
Immigration White Paper
The UK Government will shortly publish its Immigration White Paper. The government’s aim is to align immigration policy with skills development and domestic workforce needs – with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) working more closely with Skills England.
The White Paper is expected to contain measures to reduce legal migration, link visa sponsorship with training, and strengthen the MAC.
Changes to the Skilled Worker visa route
As of 22nd July several changes to the Skilled Worker visa route have come into effect in a move to reduce net migration and the number of overseas workers arriving to perform below graduate-level roles.
- General salary threshold for Skilled Worker applicants has increased to £41,700 from £28,700
- The general salary threshold for Skilled Worker applicants who were on a Skilled Worker route before 4th April 2024 will increase to £31,300 from £29,000
- The minimum skills threshold for occupations under the Skilled Worker route will increase to degree level RQF6 which has removed around 180 eligible occupations from the Skilled Worker visa route.
- Businesses may still be able to sponsor new and existing workers for roles below degree-level where they meet certain criteria.
For those already on a Skilled Worker visa who do not meet the new requirements, only visa holders will be affected by changes when they seek a new Skilled Worker visa e.g. when they have to renew or if they are changing role or employer. Sponsored workers do not immediately have to obtain a new visa.
The Temporary Shortage List will likely become operational next Summer, once the Migration advisory Committee concludes its review into salary thresholds. For businesses that want to sponsor new workers at roles below degree-level, government have announced interim measures which enable firms to continue sponsoring workers for certain roles below degree-level.
Changes expected for later this year include:
- 32% increase to the Immigration Skills Charge. For medium-large companies, the current ISC is £1000 for the first 12 months, and £500 every 6 months thereafter. The latest gov.uk guidance can be found here.
- Increase to language requirements across the immigration system
- New family policy framework which includes a language requirements that may have a bearing
As part of the Immigration White Paper published earlier this summer, government has said they expect to open a number of consultations over the next 6 months. We will send out further information as it becomes available.