Labour has announced that it will not establish a specific target for decreasing net migration. This was declared after a senior leader stated that the party anticipated a normalized couple of hundred thousand migrants per year. Darren Jones indicated that the numbers would depend on the country’s economy’s needs.
A Labour spokesperson explained that the party would reduce net migration as a result of its policies, but it would not establish an arbitrary limit similar to the Tories, who have never come close to meeting their target. This comes as the Conservatives are being pressured to reduce migration after recent statistics showed that it had reached record levels. The party also expressed its plans to increase the salary requirements for foreign employees to work in the UK, based on suggestions from the independent Migration Advisory Committee.
Labour will reconsider the skilled worker salary threshold and scrap the 20% wage discount, among other proposals. Currently, the skilled worker visa annual salary threshold is set at £26,200. Roles on the shortage occupation list can be offered at £20,960. Labour plans to abolish this 20 percent discount if it comes to power.
During an interview, Mr Jones criticized the considerable number of work visas, particularly for healthcare and social care, citing issues with the administration of the NHS. He emphasized the need for a proper NHS workforce plan and productivity enhancements to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign workers.
The ONS reports that net migration could be slowing, with an estimated number of 672,000 in the year to June. However, a majority of the people arriving in the UK were from outside the EU, with students making up the largest group of non-EU migrants, followed by those coming for work
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