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.