Government outlines new migrant worker rules

The government has unveiled a list of jobs likely to be available to migrant workers from outside the European Union under its new points-based system.

Experts examined which sectors had the biggest skills shortages in order to draw up the list, which is expected to come into force in November.

Areas of work highlighted include nursing, chemical and civil engineering, veterinary medicine and teaching, particularly in maths and English.

Migrant workers seeking jobs in the UK will have to demonstrate that their skills and experience will benefit the country and its economy.

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Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Our new Australian-style points system is flexible to meet the needs of British business while ensuring that only those we want and no more can come here to work. This tough new shortage occupation list supports that."

Meanwhile, the Spanish government has announced that it is closing its doors to migrant workers in a bid to tackle growing unemployment among the native population.