UKBA announce changes to give British workers more job opportunities
The UK Government has published changes, announced last month by the Prime Minister, to Tier 2 of the points-based system.
From 14 December 2009, the resident labour market test for Tier 2 will be extended to four weeks for all jobs, announced today. This will replace the current requirement to advertise jobs for two weeks, or one week for jobs where the salary is £40,000 or more.
This change was proposed by the independent Migration Advisory Committee in their Tier 2 report published on 19 August. The Government accepted the committee’s recommendations in full on 7 September.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced on 12 November that the extended resident labour market test would be introduced this autumn, so as to better support United Kingdom workers looking for skilled jobs as we come out of the economic downturn.
This change will apply to advertising campaigns that start on or after 14 December. Employers that have already run advertisements will not need to re-advertise to meet the new requirement.
To provide flexibility to employers, the four weeks will not need to run continuously. This will mean that employers will be able to advertise skilled jobs for shorter periods initially, for example for two weeks. This ensures that where resident workers are available, they can quickly be recruited to skilled jobs.
Where there are no suitable resident workers available, the resident labour market must be tested for a further two weeks, making four weeks in total, before employers can appoint a migrant worker.
Borders and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said:
‘We’ve always said that we would run our immigration system for the benefit of the UK and that is why the Prime Minister announced that we will extend the amount of time employers must advertise jobs in Jobcentre Plus, before they can bring in a worker from outside Europe.
‘This change will give United Kingdom workers an even better chance and more time to apply for skilled vacancies that might otherwise go to migrant workers. It will ensure that businesses can recruit the skilled foreign workers that the economy needs, but not at the expense of British workers, nor as a cheaper alternative to investing in the skills of the existing workforce.’
Updated guidance for Tier 2 sponsors will be published on this website on 14 December.
The other changes to Tier 2 recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee will be implemented in spring 2010
Related articles:
Shortage Occupations list to be cut
Government-approved Tier 2 shortage occupation list published
Home Office announce new rules for migrants
Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s speech on immigration
If you need any immigration advice or help with Studying in the UK, Settlement, Citizenship, Sponsorship, extending Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:
info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit www.immigrationmatters.co.uk
Reader Comments
my suggestion is to prevent migrant workers from getting two or more jobs.that way,more jobs will be made available for the british workers.it,s not fair for the workers outside european union to implement such a harsh law because they also need to work in order to live.