British companies are expressing concern about possible staff shortages in key economic sectors caused by stricter immigration rules. As CNBC reports, the government intends to increase the qualifications and English language proficiency requirements for migrants in order to protect local workers.
Martin Green, head of Care England, has criticized this decision as ineffective. He believes that refusing to attract foreign specialists without developing alternative labor resources will only exacerbate the existing staffing crisis. The current situation requires an immediate solution in light of the 131,000 open positions in social services.
While recognizing the importance of developing local talent, representatives of the UK business community fear an acute shortage of specialists. Jane Gratton of the British Chamber of Commerce stressed the need for a gradual transition that avoids abruptly terminating access to international specialists before solving domestic labor market problems. Experts interviewed by CNBC stated that rapidly restricting access to the global talent pool could negatively impact the economy of a country already experiencing natural population decline.