BCC: Migration figures are nothing to celebrate

Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce comments on the latest migration statistics, published by the ONS:

“These latest figures are nothing to celebrate when businesses up and down the country are facing record high skills shortages.

“Despite valiant efforts to recruit at home, employers need people to fill vacancies where there are local shortages. As the UK leaves the European Union our government should be shouting from the rooftops about its desire to attract skilled staff at all levels from the continent and beyond, to contribute to one of the world’s most dynamic economies.

“With just four months to go until the UK leaves the EU, it is astonishing that there is no published government policy or technical guidance for employers on the status of EU nationals, and whether firms can hire them, in a ‘no-deal’ scenario. It is also well past time that the government publishes its Immigration White Paper to provide longer-term clarity.”