'Bad news for hospitality' as government says 'no visas for low-skilled workers'

The UK's post-Brexit immigration system will deny visas to low-skilled workers under the government's new points-based system - to be introduced from January 2021.  

It is intended to end dependence on "cheap labour from Europe" and Ministers claim they will also make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas.

But this move is seen as worrying by many critics, Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive for UKHospitality, tweeted: "This is bad news for hospitality - this is not about cheap labour it is about not having access to sufficient labour to meet demand, sustain growth & investment. We have 800,000 vacancies across the UK and almost full employment. This is about keeping economy at #fullstrength"

The Home Office estimates 70% of EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system.

The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600, but those coming to the UK must already have a job offer and speak English.

EU and non-EU nationals will be treated equally with priority given to those with "the greatest talents", such as engineers and scientists.

If an applicant earns less than the threshold - but no less than £20,480 - they may still be able to come if they are skilled in an area with a shortage of labour.

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