Post-referendum row not addressing real issues, says expert

The row over the UK Government’s proposed curbs on foreign workers fails to address the real issues on recruitment, according to a leading contracting specialist.

Nova Contracting Director, Marcus Green, commented on how the proposals put forward last week by the UK Government to push UK employers to prioritise British workers assumes a ready queue of qualified and enthusiastic candidates. In certain hard-to-recruit-for-industries (such as transport and logistics), this could prove a challenge.

Marcus Green: “Debating the pros and cons of tighter curbs on foreign workers in a post-Brexit Britain, does not address the real issue faced by this high-demand sector, which is encouraging young people into the industry as established, highly experienced drivers retire or opt for work in other sectors. The Freight Transport Association estimates a UK shortfall of some 60,000 Class 1 drivers and that can only increase as our demand for online shopping and home delivery continues to grow.”

Responding to reports that the Government will force companies to list how many foreign workers they employ, Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, voiced his fear that forcing businesses to reveal how many foreign workers they employ is divisive and risks demonising companies with migrants in their workforce.

Peter Cheese: “At a time of increasing tension and uncertainty around migrant labour, the Government needs to be sending positive messages about the contribution that migrant workers make to the UK economy, and encouraging a more balanced debate with businesses about their future workforces.

“However, a Government-mandated list designed to name and shame organisations is entirely inappropriate and sends the wrong message about tackling a complex issue of skills shortages across the workforce.”

The Government’s proposals were the subject of a one-off evidence session by the House of Lords EU Justice Sub-Committee on Tuesday 11 October, to investigate the legality of the EU sanctions listing process. Witnesses from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Council of the EU in Brussels, as well as legal expert Maya Lester QC participated in the session.