The White Paper highlights how migration has shaped the UK labour market and economy. While migration has helped fill skills shortages and supported public services, recent high levels of recruitment from overseas have coincided with reduced domestic training, falling workforce participation, and pressures in sectors like social care. The White Paper proposes a new approach that links immigration more closely with workforce planning, training, and skills development.
Key proposals include:
- Establishing a Labour Market Evidence Group to link immigration policy with domestic skills, training, and workforce planning.
- Requiring Workforce Strategies in sectors like health, care, and construction to address shortages and reduce reliance on overseas workers.
- Raising thresholds for Skilled Worker visas back to degree-level jobs (RQF 6+), increasing salary limits, and removing around 180 roles.
- Creating a Temporary Shortage List to allow time-limited recruitment for specific lower-skilled jobs, with caps and restrictions.
- Phasing out the Adult Social Care visa for new overseas applicants, while improving pay and conditions through Fair Pay Agreements.
- Exploring new routes for Refugee Employment, allowing limited skilled refugees recognised by UNHCR to apply for sponsored work.
- Increasing the Immigration Skills Charge by 32%, using the funds to boost training in priority UK sectors.
- Expanding Global Talent routes with more opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, and graduates, and simplifying visa processes.