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Ministers seem certain to accept fresh proposals that will make it more difficult for computer specialists outside of the EU to get an IT job in the UK. Under the plan by the Home Office’s migration advisory committee, IT workers beyond the continent would need to pass earnings and qualifications tests to enter the UK. The IT job they would apply for must, under an already decided point-based scheme, have first been advertised to UK workers and the employer must be able to evidence this. The MAC’s proposals will precede this second tier of the incoming visa system by identifying on a list the occupations open to any migrant because skills for them in the EU are scarce. After consulting with the IT industry, with groups including the REC, E-skills and the PCG, the committee decided that all IT occupations in the UK should be kept off the shortage list. “Our analysis of the…evidence on shortage indicators showed that ICT managers passed on just 1 out of 12 shortage indicators;” the MAC said. “IT strategy and planning professionals passed on just 2 out of 12; and software professionals passed on 3 out of 12 indicators. This does not constitute strong evidence of shortage.” The Professional Contractors Group, which represents freelancers, said it welcomed the omission of IT from the shortage list, particularly given the current climate for its members. Managing director John Brazier said: “As the economy enters choppy waters and demand for IT contractors in particular seems to be falling, it is good to see that the MAC has recognised that there is no overall IT skills shortage in the UK.” The list, will underpin the new visa system, due to replace the old work permit scheme in November when Intra-Company Transfers will no longer automatically allow entry to the UK. The government estimated that the final shortage occupation list, to be published next month, will effectively cut the number of posts available to non-EU workers by almost a third. Welcoming the list for being based on “balanced” analysis, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation said ‘limiting immigration in skills shortage areas limits the economy’s ability to grow.’ But it reminded that the economic picture of the UK changes rapidly and so the MAC must “keep a sharp eye” on labour market developments if its list of Britain’s staffing needs is to remain accurate. Sep 12, 2008 Email this article Printer friendly page Previous Page
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