Review to assess dependence on overseas employees

Computing and engineering firms have relied on significant numbers of foreign workers for at least a decade, according to the Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Ms Cooper, who has announced a review by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to assess the dependence of certain sectors on overseas employees, argues that there has been a failure to teach British workers the necessary skills. The MAC will specifically examine the IT and engineering sectors, which have consistently been included on shortage occupation lists and have relied on international recruitment. The review will also consider curbs on overseas students, family and care workers bringing in family members, as well as raising the salary threshold for skilled worker visas. The minimum salary to sponsor someone on a family visa will also be reviewed. Official data shows that net migration has tripled in the past five years, reaching 685,000 in 2020.