Government’s attempt to “have its cake and eat it” with migration likely to backfire, says IPPR

Responding to today’s plan announced by the government to bring down net migration levels, Marley Morris, IPPR associate director for migration, trade and communities said:

“Today’s proposals are an attempt for the government to have its cake and eat it. The Home Office wants to bear down on migration of family members while keeping flexibility for employers to recruit from abroad.

“The end result will make health and care visas less attractive for care workers, while making it harder for employers to fill skills shortages.

“At the same time, the doubling of the minimum income threshold for spouses is a harsh measure which will force families to live apart.

“There are some positives announced today, including better regulation of the health and care visa for care workers to prevent exploitation and an end to the perverse ‘going rate’ discount for jobs on the shortage occupation list.

“But the implications of the new restrictions have not been thought through. A long-term approach should focus on encouraging employers to raise wages and improve training, while boosting investment in social care, in order to sustainably address shortages.

ENDS