Federation of Master Builders (FMB) chief executive, Brian Berry has given his thoughts on how the points-based immigration system launched today (February 19) will threaten the construction industry.
The system, which will take effect January 1, 2021, means that points will be assigned to immigrants wanting to enter the country for specific skills, qualifications, salaries or professions, and visas will only be awarded to those who gain enough points. The Home Office said: “It will give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics.”
Brian said: “If we are to have an infrastructure revolution and build a million new homes over the next five years, we will need to have an immigration system that allows for key construction workers of all skill levels to come UK. Today’s announcement that there will no longer be a route for ‘low skill’ workers to come to the UK after next year will hamper the construction industry’s capacity to deliver on key projects.”
He added: “We will need general labourers as much as architects or surveyors. They are a core part of the construction industry and it’s simply unrealistic to assume the domestic workforce will fill this gap in the next nine months.”
 chief executive, Brian Berry has given his thoughts on how the points-based immigration system launched today (February 19) will threaten the construction industry.){kind=link}