Migration cap ‘hurting renewables sector’

The government has been urged to consider the impact of its non-EU migration cap on key growth areas such as the renewables sector, which one expert claims is struggling to recruit top talent.

Ben Cartland – an associate of recruitment firm Acre Resources – pointed out that although green technologies currently remain poised for further expansion, limiting the ability of specialist companies to recruit overseas staff could prove a stumbling block.

“The wider renewable sector is still buoyant,” he explained. “However, with the cap on the number of highly skilled migrant workers being accepted into the country, I foresee the competition for experienced technical talent intensifying.”

Mr Cartland added that businesses in the industry may be forced to broaden their search to include staff with manufacturing experience, rather than expertise in the renewables field.

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Last week, skills minister John Hayes announced the creation of a new National Skills Academy aimed at boosting environmental technologies, with the government providing £2.5 million in funding over a period of three years.

Posted by Ross George