Starmer to impose tougher controls on immigration – Daily Business

Sir Keir Starmer is promising to limit the number of low paid immigrants and encourage companies to train British workers in an overhaul of what he describes as a “broken” system.

He wants to create a system that is “controlled, selective and fair”, backed by measures to train young people in a range of industries currently using high numbers of workers from overseas.

“For years we have had a system that encourages businesses to bring in lower paid workers, rather than invest in our young people. That is the Britain this broken system has created,” he says.

There is expected to be quick action to cut the number of lower skilled and care workers coming to the UK by 50,000. The Prime Minister will say immigrants will need to stay longer in order to claim British citizenship and will be required to pass a number of tests, including language skills.

“Every area of the immigration system, including work, family and study, will be tightened up so we have more control. Enforcement will be tougher than ever and migration numbers will fall.”

The changed system will recognise “those who genuinely contribute to Britain’s growth and society, while restoring common sense and control to our borders”, he will say.

“This is a clean break from the past and will ensure settlement in this country is a privilege that must be earned, not a right,” Starmer will say, adding that people who come to the UK should “commit to integration”.

However, there is concern among professionals in the hiring sector.  Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) Chief Executive Neil Carberry, said: “This major intervention in the labour market will leave many employers fearful that in tackling concerns about immigration, government goes after the wrong target.

“Being open to skilled workers supporting businesses investing here is essential. And we should remember that the private sector has not been the source of the recent growth in numbers.

“It is crucial that labour market experts from business have a regular voice in the new Labour Market Evidence Group (LMEG). This group must remain open to a flexible immigration system that responds quickly to changing market needs. Employers are clear: boosting training in the UK is essential, but so is a controlled, affordable and responsive immigration system that keeps investment flowing to the UK.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch admitted her party got it wrong with record net migration of 745,000 in 2022, but says the idea that Keir Starmer “is tough on immigration is a joke”

The Liberal Democrats say the immigration system is in “tatters”, and that it looks forward to scrutinising the government’s plans.

Reform UK said its strong performance in the local elections in England was due to public anger about both legal and illegal migration.

The Scottish Greens say the plan to curb international visas for workers in the care sector and other vital parts of the economy will hammer Scotland’s services.

The SNP last month unsuccessfully attempted to introduce a Scottish visa to increase the number of overseas workers able to fill key vacancies in Scotland.