Employment Law

Points-based migration system 'may cause employers problems'

The government's new points-based migration system, details of which were published earlier this week, may cause employers difficulties, an industry body has warned.

Under the new system, organisations will have to prove that no British workers are able to fill a job vacancy before offering the position to an immigrant worker from outside Europe.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), at least one in three UK employers are actively recruiting migrant workers to fill vacancies.

Chief economist at the institute John Philpott stated: "CIPD members are ... understandably concerned about the practical, labour cost and business implications of the incoming points based system."

He added that, according to consultations conducted by the institute, there will be considerable "teething troubles" as the new system is rolled out and employers who find themselves frustrated with it will require help and advice from policy makers.

Events Update

11/02/08
Tougher Penalties for Hiring Illegal Migrants
The Home Office Border and Immigration Agency, in its effort to tackle illegal immigration, has launched a campaign reminding organisations that the immigration system will be changed from 29 February.
Employers need to be aware of the changes to avoid payment of a civil penalty, of up to £10,000, for employing illegal migrants.

18/01/08
Thousands of Illegal Workers Given NI Numbers

It emerged that more than 6500 illegal immigrants got jobs as security guards, including guarding the Prime Minister's car.