In response to the House of Lordsí Economic Affairs Committee report, ìThe Economic Impact of Immigrationî, Anne Fairweather, Head of Public Policy, Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) comments: ìIt is too simplistic to talk broadly about the impact of immigration; instead we need to look at specifics.
ìRecruiters across the country experience difficulties in recruiting for certain positions in sectors such as medical, social care, construction and engineering. The immigration system needs to be flexible enough to respond to these demands. A cap on immigration which is not related to a need for workers could be harmful to both the economy and front line delivery of services. The REC will be making submissions to the Migration Advisory Committee on these matters.î
Last monthís REC/KPMG Report on Jobs, in association with NTC Economics shows significant demands for staff in the medical, nursing and social care, construction and engineering sectors.
Regarding filling these skills gaps, Fairweather continues: ìTargets such as the building of three million new homes or providing social care to our ageing population are not going to be met without a skilled workforce. Whilst immigration may fill short-term needs, what is needed in the long-term is an integrated approach to skills.
ìWe need to train tomorrowís workforce today so that these positions can be filled. The bottom line is that it is always easier to recruit workers who are local to employers. However, if those workers are not available, recruiters will have to look further afield.î
On the matter of enforcement of minimum standards, Fairweather concludes, ìIt is essential that minimum standards, such as the minimum wage are accessed by all. Itís not just the workers who lose out when these rules are flouted. Legitimate businesses that abide by the rules find themselves undercut by a small number of employers who persist on breaking the rules. The REC calls on the Government to continue to target its resources on enforcement.î
The REC gave evidence to the House of Lords Committee on the report. In its evidence the REC highlighted the need for recruiters to look beyond the EU to fill some vacancies.
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Immigration system must remain flexible, says UK recruitment body
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