British businesses face immigration challenge

The British government's new points-based immigration system will give businesses little time to prepare and especially hurt employers that rely on low-skilled European Union workers, according to immigration and law experts.

Now that the United Kingdom has left the EU, the Home Office has set out plans to deny visas to low-skilled workers and make it easier for high-skilled workers to move to the country.

But critics say the proposal, which is expected to take effect on Jan 1 next year, will hit the social care, agriculture, construction, and heavy industry sectors particularly hard.

Under the new immigration system being proposed, potential migrant workers will have to score 70 points to qualify for a visa. Speaking English and having the offer of a skilled job with an "approved sponsor" would give them 50 points.

The minimum salary required for migrants coming to work in the UK will be reduced, from 30,000 pounds ($38,000) to 25,600 pounds.

"The biggest problem is, we don't know most of the details," said Thom Brooks, dean of Durham Law School. "The government has given a table showing; to work people must know English, have a job offer, meet an income threshold, and perhaps even have a PhD. But in the details of the statement, they admit not everyone will need a degree, no job offer is necessary, and no mention whether wealthy investors will be required to know English."

"Businesses will have little time to prepare," Brooks said. "There is no Immigration Bill yet. This needs to be produced and passed. Then businesses will know what the new rules are. This may not happen until weeks before January－giving them no time and certainly no support on additional funding for training to fill the gaps."

The government said the 3.2 million EU citizens who have applied to stay in the UK could help meet labor demands, but Brooks said the UK will have problems filling the employment gap left by low-skilled workers.

Philip Richardson, partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, said the plans will "drastically affect employers who rely upon this type of migrant worker, as this could lead to decreased productivity, income, and a lack of specialist skills".

Industry leaders have also raised concerns about staff shortages.

Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality chief executive, said: "Ruling out a temporary, low-skilled route for migration in just 10 months' time will be disastrous for the hospitality sector.