“If employers want to bring workers from overseas, then they must also invest in the skills of workers already in Britain.”
Context
This statement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer comes in the wake of local election gains by Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, which have stirred national debate over immigration and workforce policy.
Reform UK ran on a hardline anti-migration platform, calling for dramatic cuts in legal migration. Starmer’s remark, made at the launch of the government’s new immigration white paper today, appears to respond directly to this narrative and offers a more centrist alternative while acknowledging public concerns.
The white paper proposes tighter migration controls alongside stronger expectations for employers to invest in domestic upskilling. It seeks to reset the balance between attracting overseas talent and building workforce resilience at home.
Meaning
Starmer’s quote conveys a dual message:
- Immigration can continue to support the UK economy, but only if employers do more to develop local talent.
- Businesses must not treat foreign recruitment as a shortcut; there is a duty to invest in training British workers for long-term sustainability.
Rather than rejecting international talent altogether, Starmer’s government is urging companies to view migration and skills development as interconnected strategies.
Implications
For HR leaders, the comment and the broader policy context present both a challenge and an opportunity:
- Talent Strategy: Employers may need to adapt to tighter restrictions on hiring from overseas, requiring a more deliberate focus on domestic pipelines and training schemes.
- Upskilling Commitments: HR teams will be under increasing pressure to demonstrate investment in learning and development as a core business function.
- Public Messaging: Employer brands that visibly support British workforce development may gain reputational advantage amid heightened political scrutiny of migration.
As the political climate around immigration intensifies, particularly in response to Reform UK’s rise, Starmer’s position attempts to reframe the debate, not as a choice between migration and domestic employment but more a question of balance, responsibility and long-term planning.
