Commenting on reports that the Home Office is to exclude non-EU doctors and nurses from the Tier 2 visa cap, Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“This is a positive first step. Non-EU doctors and nurses make up a large share of visas granted under the Tier 2 regime, so removing these workers will help many businesses across the UK economy to access the skills they can’t recruit from the UK. The cap on Tier 2 visas has been routinely under pressure from many sectors, with businesses having to compete for vital skills to fill growing shortages.
“However, if the UK is to truly become Global Britain, then this must only be a first step. The government should go further and remove the arbitrary migration target, and scrap the cap on Tier 2 visas across industry. The current policy hurts business and dissuades some of the best and brightest from coming to the UK, and any changes must help firms compete on the global stage.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 53 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk
The BCC has launched a campaign aimed at eradicating not-spots for mobile voice coverage. Add your not-spot here.
Media contacts:
Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications
020 7654 5812 / 07920583381
Orla Hennessy – Senior Press and Communications Officer
020 7654 5813 / 07825746812
Follow this news feed: British Chambers of Commerce