The majority of firms in London are opposed to the recent immigration policies proposed in a controversial Home Office white paper, according to new research.
At the start of July, the government released a draft policy paper outlining plans to crack down on immigration to the UK. The white paper included measures such as raising the threshold for eligibility for skilled worker visas and increasing the associated costs of legal migration.
According to a new survey of business leaders from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), just 14% believed the government’s immigration proposals would benefit the economy, with the majority expressing concern over the potential impact on business.
The vast majority (81%) said that access to global talent was important to London businesses and the wider UK economy, expressing fears over harsher limits to skilled migrants.
Most respondents (56%) called for easier routes for skilled foreigners to live and work in the UK amid concerns over a shortage of appropriate skills for advanced industries.
The issue is particularly prevalent in the tech industry, which has been massively bolstered by the contributions of foreign nationals.
A report published last year by the Entrepreneur’s Network found that over a third of the UK’s top 100 fastest-growing companies have a founder born outside of Britain.
“Highly skilled international workers make up an invaluable part of London’s workforce. Businesses are clear to the government: any changes that restrict access to international talent risks damaging London’s business community, weakening growth, and undermining the city’s position on the global stage,” said Karim Fatehi OBE, chief executive of LCCI.
“We strongly urge the government to listen to the business community and work collaboratively to shape immigration policies that recognise public concern while enabling long term sustainable growth.”
Read more: RSM UK: Immigration policy must not be a roadblock to digital skills
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