Commenting on the Home Secretary’s decision to ask the independent Migration Advisory Committee to evaluate the present and future impacts of migration on the UK economy, Babs Murphy, Chief Executive at the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said:
“We welcome the Home Secretary’s decision to commission rigorous and independent analysis to inform the shape of our future immigration system. Businesses tell us that immigration rules need to be based on an objective look at economic trends and needs, which are better evaluated by the experts on the Migration Advisory Committee than by politicians or commentators.
“Over the coming years, changes to the UK immigration system should be based on firm evidence, input from employers, and a clear understanding of the different requirements facing each region and nation. While businesses are committed to filling vacancies locally wherever they can, they will still need access to both EU and global candidates with a range of skills in the future. We will work to ensure that the views of business communities all across the UK are heard loud and clear by the Migration Advisory Committee over the coming year.”
Alan Welsh, Policy Manager at the Chamber of Commerce added:
“Amber Rudd has given EU nationals and their employers some much-needed reassurance, by signalling that any significant changes to the immigration rules for EU citizens will take place in an orderly fashion over time. Businesses need clear information to support their existing employees – and to know, right now, who they can hire with confidence over the coming years.
“The Home Secretary has given some important reassurances for EU nationals working in UK businesses, and for those businesses considering hiring EU nationals in the immediate future. Her department now needs to work with employers to get the detail right, and ensure that EU nationals do not face complex administrative processes to confirm their status here in the UK.”
