The new skills-based system will create an additional barrier to building. The NFB would like the Government to consider an exemption for those in the construction industry, or an extended transition period.
The Prime Minister Theresa May is to unveil a new skills based system as part of her post-Brexit immigration plans.
Under the proposals “The new skills-based system will make sure low-skilled immigration is brought down and set the UK on the path to reduce immigration to sustainable levels,” Mrs May said when speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, and that “free movement would end once and for all” when the UK leaves the EU.
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is concerned that many jobs within construction fall under the low-skilled bracket and this will have a damaging impact on the construction industry.
The Government is fully aware of the skills shortage the construction industry faces and the NFB is keen to see more details on how the system will work, which will be outlined in the white paper expected later in the autumn.
Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “The new skills-based system will create an additional barrier to building. The NFB would like the Government to consider an exemption for those in the construction industry, or an extended transition period.
“A transition period would allow the construction industry more time to recruit the skilled workforce it needs. If the Government wants to meets its target to build more homes it needs to understand that low-skilled does not mean low value.”
