November 17 2008 – British’s most wanted workers list revealed
Source: Sunday Telegraph
BALLET dancers, sheep shearers and horse exercisers have made a list of the most wanted workers in Britain.
The jobs have been classed as "shortage occupations" which will be given priority entry into the UK under new migration laws. Geologists, maths and science teachers, chemical engineers, biologists, psychiatrists and hovercraft officers are also on the Home Office list, released last week.
Experts at filleting frozen fish will go to the front of the queue in Scotland.
The list is a key part of Britain's new points-based migration system that will make it easier for entrepreneurs, investors and highly skilled workers in certain fields to enter the UK.
But vast numbers of people previously eligible for work permits will be kept out under the system, aimed at stopping locals from losing jobs to foreigners. Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said the scheme was the "biggest shake-up of the immigration system for a generation". The number of jobs available for non-European Union workers will fall from 1 million to 800,000 under the changes, he estimates.
"The Australian-style points system is flexible, allowing us to raise or lower the bar according to the needs of business and taking population trends into account," Mr Woolas said. "Had the points system been in place last year there would have been 12 per cent fewer people coming in to work through the equivalent work permit route. "On top of this, the strict new shortage list means 200,000 fewer jobs are available via the shortage occupation route."
The jobs list was based on recommendations from the Migration Advisory Committee earlier this year. There will be minimum qualification requirements for those wanting to enter the country.
Sheep shearers will have to hold a British Wool Marketing Board bronze medal or its equivalent, while dancers will need the approval of "internationally recognised UK ballet companies". Royal Ballet assistant director Jeanetta Laurence said: "We would prefer to find home grown talent, but I'm afraid that is not always possible."
Chefs have to be on a minimum of $20 and hour and pipe welders need at least three years experience.
If you have further enquiries on immigration to the UK, NZ, Australia or the USA,
please contact Ambler Collins and we will undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at;
info@amblercollins.com
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