Migrant cap ‘causing skills shortage’

Recruitment agency de Poel has warned that the government's temporary cap on migrant workers from outside the EU has left some industries suffering from skills shortages.

According to a new poll, the industries worst affected by the legislation include construction, logistics and manufacturing, with one-third of agencies observing a decrease of up to 25 per cent in the number of non-European workers.

"The government's temporary cap on non-EU skilled migrants is very concerning for the future of our workforce," said de Poel chief executive Matthew Sanders. "There's a much bigger problem that needs addressing and that’s the current skills shortage."

He urged the coalition to restructure the system so it allows companies to recruit overseas staff with sufficient skills without permitting them to undercut British job seekers.

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In a speech to the Confederation of British Industry yesterday, prime minister David Cameron hinted that the migration cap may be relaxed, following concern from some business leaders.

Posted by Ross George