The government has launched a Global Talent Taskforce to draw high-skilled tech workers and researchers to the UK as part of its new Industrial Strategy.
Announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the taskforce has been given £54m to help the UK compete for the highest skilled workers internationally.
Targeting researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and engineers, the taskforce will work to encourage skilled individuals to relocate to the UK as well as strengthen the country’s international presence and tech network with key hubs.
The funding package will cover the relocation and research costs for eligible individuals for five years. The capital will be allocated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to universities and similar organisations that will select and target appropriate candidates.
“The UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to fertilise brilliant ideas,” said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
“My message to those who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is simple. We want to work with you, to support you, and to give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.”
The move follows the controversial release of an immigration reform white paper in May that proposed policy changes to make the process of legal movement to the UK harder.
Though the white paper was largely aimed at reducing net immigration, it also included references to expanding skilled migration pipelines under specific circumstances.
One such proposal was the expansion of the High Potential Individual visa. Introduced by Rishi Sunak, the visa fast tracks the immigration process for graduates from a prestigious list of 50 foreign universities to the UK for a period of two years. The government proposed expanding the list of eligible institutions.
“A key part of our Plan for Change is making sure Britain is the best place in the world to do business – we are a strong, connected market and have a lot to offer the best and the most inventive minds,” said Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
“Competition for elite global talent is high, and by establishing this Taskforce we are solidifying our position as the first choice for the world’s brightest sparks, as well as turbocharging innovation in medicines and inventions of the future, boosting British business and putting money in working people’s pockets.”
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