UK firms recruit skilled workers from Africa and Asia
Figures seen by Sky News show that UK firms are recruiting skilled workers from Africa and Asia to plug staff shortages. Since January 2021, the new post-Brexit migration system has made it easier for workers outside of Europe to enter the UK. India, South Africa, and Ghana are among the countries that are having success with the new skilled visa route. Businesses are making use of the new post-Brexit migration system to bring in IT professionals, nurses and accountants. The data, which was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, suggests that businesses are willing to absorb the cost of sponsorship to secure the talent they need, even though the fees levied by the Home Office are high. Louisa Cole, principal associate at Eversheds Sutherland, observed: “Since the UK exited lockdown, we have seen skills shortages exposed and businesses look overseas for talented workers to plug the gaps revealed . . . We knew that UK businesses leaned on international talent, but since leaving the EU many have looked further afield than the EU as freedom of movement ended.” She added: “In some respects there is now a level playing field for those outside of the EU when coming to the UK . . . This has been evident in the likes of the financial services sector where UK firms have brought more talent from countries such as India, China, Nigeria and South Africa post-Brexit.”
Our Comments: UK firms recruit skilled workers from Africa and Asia
Matthew Pinto-Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, Owner of Consensus HR comments: “This is an interesting article from Sky News and the information they gained under the Freedom of Information Act. Brexit has caused many problems with recruitment for employers and especially areas such as Hospitalities and retail who the option of sponsorship and the costs involved is not a suitable resolution. This article really highlights the importance of looking after your team and retaining talent within the business through successful HR best practice and legal procedures. However, it does not mean though that unproductive team members should be retained if a company has tried to get the best from them through development and other best practice / legal processes.”
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