Migrant Workers keep London Competitive

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry survey found that:

• 68% of respondents believe that migrant workers work harder than UK Nationals
• 72% think that migrant workers are prepared to do jobs that British workers are not prepared or are unwilling to do
• 57% think that migrant workers are important to their own company
• 56% believe that that migrant workers are not as well qualified as UK employees
• 56% think that the economic benefits migrants bring to the capital outweigh the cost of providing additional public services
• 38% said that illegal immigrants world be beneficial for business

The Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sunil Gadhia, said that “London businesses know first-hand that international workers bring much needed skills and ideas to the capital. Without them, London would be a less competitive and dynamic place to live and work, and our overall economic success would undoubtedly suffer. The rules for employing migrants must be clear, easy to follow, and take into account the needs of SMEs. Smaller firms may not have specialist legal or HR expertise, but they still want to hire the best and brightest to help their companies grow.\”

Changes to Tier 1 & Tier 2 of the Points Based System

The report came just days before the recent announcement on the changes to be made to Tier 1 (formerly HSMP) and Tier 2 (formerly UK Work Permit) of the Points Based Immigration System. From the 6th April 2010:

• Bachelors Qualifications will be reintroduced into Tier 1 General. 30 points will be awarded for this type of qualification
• The Previous Earnings requirement of Tier 1 General will be increased so that no points will be awarded for earnings lower than £25,000
• Tier 1 Applicants will receive points for age right up until 39 years of age
• Tier 1 General applicants will receive an initial 2 year leave rather than the current 3 years
• Tier 2 General applicant will receive points for A level equivalent qualifications
• The Tier 2 Prospective Earnings requirement will be increased to £20,000
• Professional Qualifications will be recognised
• A new ‘Skills Transfer’ category will be introduced for Tier 2 Intra Company Transfer

Commonwealth Contractors

Commonwealth Contractors is a collection of highly skilled professionals from the Commonwealth and beyond. We partner with OISC Registered Immigration Partners capable of professionally representing a Tier 1 Visa Application / Extension and Tier 2 Licensed Consultancy & Associated Trust Partners who may be prepared, where required, to sponsor a doctor on a Tier 2 Visa (formerly UK Work Permit).

To find out more call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your details now and we will get right back to you. Please be prepared to send a copy of a recent CV so that we can pass to interested partners.