This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
October 28, 2010
Nearly one third of skilled workers not doing skilled work
The UK Border Agency has published a study that looks at the jobs being done by migrants who are in the UK under Tier 1 of the Points Based System.
Tier 1 of the UK Points Based System is aimed at highly-skilled workers such as doctors and engineers. The report states that 29% of Tier 1 Visa holders are in unskilled jobs such as shop assistants, security guards and supermarket cashiers.
Damian Green, the immigration minister, said:
“Those coming into the UK under the highly-skilled migrant route should only be able to do highly-skilled jobs – it should not be used as a means to enter the low-skilled jobs market.
“Investors and entrepreneurs aside, this report questions the value of this route into the UK, and the findings will play a key part in discussions on how the annual limit will be shaped.”
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of the Migrationwatch pressure group, said:
“This has to be the final nail in the coffin of immigration routes for people who do not have a skilled job to come to.
“Closing this route will allow headroom for those whom companies really need.”
Tier 1 of the Points Based System also includes International students who have paid to study in the UK and subsequently graduated.
The Tier 1 Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa holders form a large portion of the figures quoted for those Tier 1 Visa holders performing unskilled work. Indeed, many UK graduates are also finding it hard to obtain suitable employment. Tier 1 Visa holders do not, however, qualify for Public Funds.