The UK government's immigration reform plan, announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, risks economic growth and worsening labor shortages, as highlighted by business leaders. The Institute of Directors warns that limiting immigration without reforming domestic training systems could prevent employers from addressing critical skills gaps. Key figures like Alex Hall-Chen argue that a connection between skills and immigration systems is crucial for success. Many firms rely on foreign workers due to deficiencies in training, pointing out the ineffectiveness of the current apprenticeship levy and calling for urgent reforms for skills development.
The apprenticeship levy, as currently structured, has been disastrous. It has made it harder, not easier, for companies to access the training they need.
These plans risk damaging already fragile economic growth by further limiting employers' ability to fill urgent skills gaps.
For this strategy to work, government must deliver on its pledge to more effectively link the skills and immigration systems.
Without swift reforms to how domestic workers are trained, these measures could leave employers without the skilled labour they need to compete.
Collection
[
|
...
]