First and foremost thank you for tuning in. This blog will discuss the UK workforce and opportunities for highly skilled non-EU nationals on sponsored Visa’s to fill the labour gaps that exist. This opportunity is particularly acute for the IT sector where markets and technologies change rapidly and companies are always looking to revolutionise and modernise – whether in response to tech trends like public/private cloud and big data, or just keeping up with attrition and cost pressures to maximise output from their IT shop.
Today we want to look at some of the latest news regarding Brexit and possible impacts on the UK labour market - and explore some implications for companies and individuals as a result.
An interesting piece of analysis from Mercer Consulting
(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-06/britain-s-labor-gaps-set-to-worsen-as-brexit-reduces-migration) paints a bleak picture for Britain’s Labour gap as a result of expected net reduced immigration arising post Article 50. It also looks at the proportion of working vs retired and how Britain is already lagging behind Canada and Trumps America!
“With immigration likely to fall in coming years, particularly from the EU, the veil is lifted as we face a shrinking U.K. workforce”.
We see plenty of opportunity here for skilled labour and consultants from non- EU countries such as:
- India
- Australia
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Canada
- America
India, in particular, with it’s depth of talent and years of outsourcing is particularly well placed to play more of a leading role in filling shortages, particularly for those with niche skills.
The facts are clear, with net migration due to halve to 185,000 people from 2020 onwards, this will surely put a strain on businesses, especially those who rely heavily on highly skilled labour. We expect the government to respond to avoid labour supply shortages by looking elsewhere to fill the EU immigration gaps, and focus on Tier 2 visas targeting specific skill sets.
We will have to see what transpires through Brexit negotiations regarding the single market and immigration, however businesses can prepare by scouting further afield than the EU. Most multi-nationals and large consultancies have the ability to do this however medium or smaller firms may be hit harder.
Outsourcing projects to consultancies in the UK who have the ability to attract and compliantly hire and sponsor (Tier 2 General) talent is key. Flexible project solutions is surely one option following these potential shortages. Keep an eye out here for more information, news and blogs and thank you for reading.
Take care everyone
Mason Alexander Team
To find out more information about Tier 2 sponsorship, options to contract and consult in the UK, please contact us.