Work Migration & Skilled Worker Pathway
The Labour Party has committed to supporting the Skilled Worker pathway, which allows UK employers to tap into global talent. Labour has proposed requesting the Migration Advisory Committee to evaluate the effects of increasing the Skilled Worker salary threshold to £38,700, while maintaining the prohibition on care workers' dependants. However, it remains unclear how Labour plans to further reform this system in light of recent changes.
A key priority for Labour is to limit the demand for visas by aligning skills policy with immigration policy. Employers and industries that seek a high number of work visas would be required to implement workforce training plans aimed at filling skill gaps with workers already residing in the UK.
The party does not intend to impose formal caps on any immigration routes but assures that there will be suitable restrictions on visas. Their strategy is to "end the long-term dependence on overseas workers in certain sectors" by focusing on training and upskilling domestic workers.
In practice, there is a lack of detailed explanation on how this would be executed. The UK is currently facing an acute skills shortage in various sectors, particularly in healthcare. The implementation of such training plans will take time and does not provide an immediate solution.
Labour has also expressed a commitment to reforming the points-based immigration system to ensure it is fair and effectively managed, with appropriate visa restrictions and a connection between immigration and skills policy. However, specifics on how this will be achieved are still unclear.
The party has emphasized that visa system abuse and violations of employment laws will not be tolerated. Employers who fail to comply with the rules will be prohibited from hiring foreign workers. Yet, there is no clarity on how this policy differs from the current restrictions on employers sponsoring migrant workers.
The discourse surrounding migration has grown increasingly intolerant in recent years, with the focus largely on reducing net migration. There has been little distinction made between the essential skilled work visa pathways and illegal immigration. Clearer guidance is needed on how immigration policy will be enforced and what benefits any proposed reforms will bring to the UK economy.