How UK tech firms can reduce risk amid reforms to immigration | Computer Weekly

"The IT sector relies on immigration and global mobility to address skills shortages, drive innovation, and support business growth. Global mobility has facilitated leadership development and knowledge transfer, helping companies meet evolving business needs. Recent changes to UK immigration policy threaten to disrupt this flow of talent. The Immigration Quarterly Statistics highlight this impact. In the year ending March 2024, 67,703 Skilled Worker visas were granted, but the number issued to IT professionals fell by 25% compared to the previous year."

"The Skilled Worker route has undergone significant changes in the past 18 months. In April 2024, the minimum salary increased from £26,200 to £38,700, and "going rates" for specific occupations were revised to median salaries rather than the 25th percentile. On 22 July 2025, thresholds rose again to £41,700, and only jobs at degree level ( RQF Level 6) or above generally qualify. Calculating the correct salary, especially for those switching from Student or Graduate Visas, has become far more complex."

"High sponsorship costs and increased government compliance further discourage employers. Some employers have advised that, because of last years' higher minimum salary required under the Skilled Worker visa, the cost of transitioning student or graduate visa holders to Skilled Worker status could increase by at least 50%. An assessment of tech startup workersindicated that 37% would not meet those new salary requirements."

The IT sector relies on immigration and global mobility to address skills shortages, drive innovation, and support business growth. In the year ending March 2024, 67,703 Skilled Worker visas were granted, but the number issued to IT professionals fell by 25%. Policy changes raised minimum Skilled Worker salaries, shifted occupation going rates to medians, and introduced degree-level requirements. Higher sponsorship costs, increased compliance, and more complex salary calculations have discouraged employers; some estimate transition costs from Student or Graduate visas could rise by at least 50%, and 37% of tech startup workers would not meet new salary requirements. Other countries are actively attracting IT talent.

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