Construction industry bodies have offered a cautious welcome to government plans to end free movement of people from the European Union after Brexit and to introduce a points-based immigration scheme.
The government that from 1 January 2021, it would treat EU citizens the same as non-EU citizens, with a route into the country for skilled workers and specialist workers. However, it does not plan to introduce a general low-skilled or temporary work route, in a bid to shift away from a “reliance on cheap labour from Europe”.
All applicants from EU and non-EU countries will need to demonstrate that they have a job offer and that they speak English. They will also need to show that they would earn more than £25,600 a year – a reduction on the previous threshold of £30,000 – although they may still come into the country if they earn less than £25,600, provided it is no less than £20,480 and so long as they can demonstrate that they have a job in a specific shortage occupation designated by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) or that they have a PhD relevant to the job.
Under the system, prospective entrants to the country will need a minimum of 70 points to be eligible to apply. A job offer will be worth 20 points, the ability to speak English 10 points, a salary above £25,600 20 points, and a job in a shortage occupation 20 points.
Mace reservations
Mark Reynolds, chief executive of Mace skills lead on the Construction Leadership Council welcomed the scheme “with reservations”.
He said: “Led by the CLC, organisations across the sector have been investing heavily in developing local ‘homegrown’ talent for our industry, working together to create a clear route from school and training into full time employment in construction for people across the UK. However, we still face a significant talent gap and for the time being must rely on being able to access the right mix of people and expertise from overseas to effectively meet the UK’s infrastructure and built environment requirements.
“We are pleased to have clarity on this government’s proposals for the UK’s future immigration system; but unfortunately the new system is likely to make it harder for the UK construction sector to deliver the homes and infrastructure we so desperately need.
"We welcome the salary thresholds being lowered to £25,600 in line with the MAC recommendations, however the decision to set skills thresholds to RQF3-5 is a disappointment, as it disregards skilled trades such as bricklayers and carpenters are qualified to level RQF2. This decision will impact on the ability of the sector to deliver the homes we so desperately need to solve the housing crisis.”
CIOB – ‘more support for business needed’
Responding to the news, a spokesperson for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) said: "The CIOB is pleased to see that the government has provided some clarity on the future of immigration, but remains concerned the current proposal will impact the ability of the construction sector to function normally.
"If the government decides that the construction industry does not have a shortage of skills, more will need to be done to help support businesses to attract new talent into the industry. Currently construction is not seen as an attractive career choice, with many parents discouraging their children into the industry due to misconceptions. In addition to the perception issue, there is confusion for many small business owners on how to use the apprenticeship scheme and the value it delivers.
"Government needs to provide greater support and information for businesses within construction to help them gain access to the apprenticeship system in order to train up and retain new talent. Sadly, apprenticeships are not a quick fix and with the Immigration Bill coming into effect in 2021 more will need to be done to ensure we continue to have access to the skills we need.
"It is still unclear whether the MAC will consider construction to have a shortage of occupations and the CIOB will continue to monitor the progress of the new Immigration Bill to understand how it will affect our members and the wider built environment."
CITB – ‘minimse impact’
Construction Industry Training Board strategy and policy director Steve Radley, said: “CITB cautiously welcomes lowering the salary threshold for skilled migrants, increasing the number of construction occupations eligible to work in the UK, and the commitment to monitor and respond to skills shortages.
“These policies are essential in light of the Government’s expanded public investment programme and big ambitions for new homes.
“However, we need to see how this will work in practice, and to agree how we can minimise the impact of restrictions on low skilled workers. We will also work with Government to ensure self-employed people can continue to work in the UK construction industry through a new route that doesn’t require employer sponsorship.
“We also note the government’s commitment to investing in home grown talent and look forward to discussing how the apprenticeship system and Further Education can deliver better outcomes for industry.”
