Australia calling all British Workers

The Australian government plans to tap into the rich vein of British highly skilled workers leaving the UK, according to immigration and visa specialist www.globalvisas.com. The consultancy can confirm that the Australian government is reducing its criteria for British workers to gain employment in the rapidly expanding economy 'down under'.

The amendments to the Australian immigration criteria will see an extra five points awarded for speaking English to a high standard. This has a two-fold effect on immigration to Australia. Firstly, it is now harder for non-English speakers to enter Australia unless they are able to pass English exams but, most importantly, it means UK nationals are now in a stronger position when applying to emigrate.

Director Liam Clifford comments: This is seen as yet another massive blow for UK employers and UK PLC, which are trying with less and less success to retain highly skilled workers. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, as voted by the UN each year, a rapidly growing economy, a low crime rate and an excellent educational system, Australia has plenty to offer.

He adds: The UK is currently competing on a global scale to attract and retain highly skilled individuals. Global Visas has been made aware that one of the UKís leading recruitment consultants, Hays - which is also Australiaís number one recruiter - has decided to focus more resources on sending its candidates to Australia.



Rachel Baldy, manager of Hays, says: ìWe are now proactively sourcing auditors and other skilled people from the City, along with any other skills that can be attracted to emigrate. Australia is crying out for UK skills and our business is now focusing on getting Brits to Australia as quickly as possible. There are simply better opportunities in 'Oz' and the proposition is a good one.î

Clifford concludes: Just as the UK is facing an immigration crisis and a massive increase in people leaving 'Blighty' for good, Australia - where strict immigration controls have always been in place - seems to be ready to make the most of the situation by offering new homes at affordable prices, many with sea views, along with excellent jobs, living standards and opportunities.

Australia has raised its target this year for skilled workers from 97,000 to over 102,000.

The number of British people migrating to Australia increased from 8,749 in 2001/2 to 23,290 in 2005/6.