The coronavirus pandemic has changed public attitudes towards those considered "unskilled"

MPs have given initial approval to introduce a new post-Brexit immigration system for the UK.

Many consider this poor timing and an ‘insult to key and essential workers who kept country going’. The bill revokes EU freedom of movement and introduces the new framework for who can come to live in the UK.

According to the BBC, Home Secretary Priti Patel said the government's plans will lead to a "high skill" economy. Ms Patel said the changes in the bill "will play a vital role in our recovery plans for the future".

"It will end free movement and pave the way for a firmer, fairer and simpler system and will attract people we need to drive our country through the recovery stage of coronavirus, laying the foundation of a high wage, high skill productive economy.”

But critics have said the coronavirus pandemic has changed public attitudes towards those considered "unskilled". The principles of the new law were approved by 351 votes to 252 by the House of Commons on Monday, May 20. It will now go on to receive further scrutiny.

The legislation paves the way for the government to introduce a new points-based system. In March it was said more than 200,000 vacancies would be left unfilled in British pubs, bars and restaurants if the government’s new immigration bill was enforced in its current form.

Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said at the time: “Vital segments of the economy would grind to a halt” if plans to introduce a points-based system and salary threshold were brought in. Roles would go unfilled.”

Responding to the news of the initial approval Kate tweeted: “We have been working hard on this since January and are continuing to lobby Home Office and Migration Advisory Committee to get a fairer system for hospitality - the people who fed and housed our key workers, the homeless, the vulnerable, our communities throughout this crisis.”

Under the new system it’s suggested points will be awarded for being able to speak English to a certain standard, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a salary threshold of £25,600. Other points could be awarded for certain qualifications and if there is a shortage in a particular occupation.

Speaking in the Commons, shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said: "Those who clapped [for carers] on Thursday are only too happy to vote through a bill that will send a powerful message to those same people - that they are not considered by this government to be skilled workers.”