Paving the way for more international recruitment projects in construction and engineering

Resourcing Solutions Ltd has welcomed the introduction of a new points system that allows skilled migrants to work in the UK, saying employers need access to the greatest pool of talent they can get.

The move, announced by Gordon Brown, is a bid to give the UK a system of managed migration and reassurance that those coming to the UK to work have the relevant skills and experience to fulfil roles within industries that are currently struggling with staff shortages.

Richard Lawrance, managing director of Resourcing Solutions said: ìNever has there been a more pertinent time to introduce such a points system ñ especially within the sectors we specialise in. There is a dire shortage of skilled workers to take up positions in transportation, construction, engineering and planning. We need to remove any obstacles that stand in the way of attracting the skilled workers that this country needs.î

He continued: ìWhile reducing unemployment rates in the UK is a major priority, the positions must be filled by those who have the right skills and experience. Particularly now, as the construction industry is focussed on developing a world class arena for the Olympic Games in 2012 whilst also undertaking a number of other vital projects across the country, weíre struggling to find those people without looking further a field.î

More than 14,000 skilled migrants who entered the UK to work last year will benefit from the move as their right to stay will be extended and graduates with good English will also be able to apply for permission to remain. For companies like Resourcing Solutions, this will pave the way for including international recruitment projects within their core attraction strategy.

Lawrance commented: ìWeíve been working internationally for some time to attract the level of talent that our clients demand from us. Our work with candidates in countries such as South Africa and India has enabled us to provide a greater talent pool to attract candidates from. The new points system will help support visa applications for suitable staff that we identify abroad. As recruiters in a competitive market place, it is absolutely vital that we are able to source high-quality employees for our clients, to ensure the successful delivery of these major projects on time and to budget.î