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.