Responding to today’s release of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) report, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “The MAC’s report is deeply concerning for the small business community. 21 per cent of small businesses in the UK employ someone from the EU and yet they will be the ones hit the hardest by the huge added costs and administrative burdens of the proposals outlined in the MAC’s report.
“Our research shows that ninety-five per cent of small employers had never made use of the UK’s points-based immigration system to meet their business’ labour and skills needs. This is because of the costs and complexity of the system. Simply expanding the Tier 2 general route to include EEA citizens will hurt small businesses, the wider economy and productivity. The damage will be worse for those businesses that work in sectors like hospitality, retail and care that are already facing chronic skills shortages.
“Small businesses will be pleased to see the suggestion that focus should be given to mid-skilled workers, but disappointed not to see a concerted action plan around them. While access to high-skilled labour is vital to the UK’s small businesses, even more important to them are those who are mid-skilled - such as mechanics, care workers, office administrators.
“Nearly half of those that currently employ EU citizens employ mid-skilled workers, and this key group has been broadly missing from the debate that has been polarised into high and low skills. The MAC report’s proposal for a salary cap of £30,000 risks locking out mid-skilled migrants, particularly in regions beyond London and the South East. We are also concerned about the suggestion of extending the immigration surcharge to EEA workers. Our evidence shows this would have a hugely damaging effect on smaller businesses ability to meet their skills and labour shortages.
“We need to see specific support not just for workers, but for entrepreneurs who must be able to come to the UK and start businesses that contribute to our economy and create jobs here. The current Tier 1 needs substantial reform to cater for the UK’s vibrant community of self-employed EU citizens.”
Notes to editor
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.
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About FSB
As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.