Let us bring in the workers we need to succeed, say bosses in plea to new PM

A plea for the next prime minister to tear down Theresa May’s hostile immigration rules and bring in the talent the country needs to succeed was made by a new coalition of business leaders and universities today.

They called on Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt to slash Mrs May’s £30,000 salary threshold to £20,000 amid fears it will starve firms of skilled personnel when extended to European workers.

With shortages of specialist workers already holding back some sectors, they called for temporary visas to be extended to two years, reforms to let firms sponsor more overseas recruits and the restoration of the two-year visa for new international graduates.

The call — dubbed “#FullStrength” — was made by business groups representing thousands of companies, including the British Retail Consortium, UKHospitality, techUK, Universities UK and the Federation of Master Builders.

“Our country needs a fair and managed immigration system that keeps it open to all levels of talent,” they wrote in a joint letter to the rivals to become Britain’s new prime minister.

“As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it is imperative that the Government puts in measures that will avoid employers facing a cliff-edge in recruitment.”

Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive at London First, which co-ordinated the letter, said: “Without a bold move now on immigration reform, the skill shortages many companies face risk becoming even more acute.”

On Monday, Mr Johnson refused to give a commitment to cut immigration numbers — sending a signal that he aims to use his proposed Australian-style points system to deliver international talent to firms.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “The construction industry is already facing shortages across a number of roles and this is likely to get worse with ambitious house targets on the horizon.”

Helen Dickinson, head of the BRC, said retailers relied on the skills of 170,000 EU nationals.

“We want the salary thresholds lowered, reflecting the range of skills required for the jobs,” she said. Alistair Jarvis, of Universities UK, said Britain was in danger of losing its world-leading status for international students.

“An improved post-study work offer would put us on a par with what is offered in competitor countries.”

The coalition said over 60 per cent of all jobs pay less than the £30,000 salary threshold, meaning most people would not qualify to enter the country.

Mr Hunt said he wanted to review the £30,000 salary minimum but that overall immigration numbers should fall.