From January 1 2021, the points-based system will apply equally to EU and non-EU migrants wishing to come to the UK to work, study, visit or join their family with the intention of creating a “a high wage, high-skill, high productivity economy”.

Proposed changes aim to curb net immigration, enabling the government to limit migration from both EU and non-EU countries, a stark delineation from the existing system as EU nationals will no longer have the automatic right to settle and work in the UK.

The government intends to give top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, notably scientists, engineers and academics. The new immigration system will not introduce a general low-skilled or temporary work route and emphasises the need to reduce UK businesses’ reliance on ‘cheap’ labour from Europe. To meet their skills demand, businesses are expected to concentrate on investment in technology and automation, adjusting and reskilling existing employees. 

The core pillar of the system requires migrants to secure 70 points to be eligible for a visa, which can be derived from an offer of employment (20 points), applying for a skilled job (20 points), being able to speak English (10 points) and applying for a position with a salary of £25,600 or above (20 points). Nevertheless, applicants will be able to ‘trade’ characteristics such as their specific job offer and qualifications against a lower salary, but no less than £20,480 per annum.

There are several potential implications for the publishing industry as a result of these changes. In short, coming to the UK as a European citizen will become more challenging. This could impact UK publishers as data collected last year through the PPA Brexit Survey showed that magazine businesses currently employ a higher percentage of European staff members than international employees.

There will be more bureaucracy involved when hiring migrants, as EU and non-EU citizens will be subject to the same application process. Hiring and compliance costs are expected to increase and businesses will be expected to apply for a licence to become a registered sponsor for migrants, if they haven’t already done so already under the current system for international employees.

It is up to the Migration Advisory Council (MAC) to ensure the list of positions available is updated regularly to prevent salary provisions getting in the way of hiring talented individuals. Otherwise, arbitrary salary requirements instead of taking an industry-led approach could lead to a disjuncture between number of vacancies and ability for migrant applicants to reach the number of points required.

The Home Office has said it will publish further detail on the points-based system in due course, including detailed guidance regarding the points tables, shortage occupations and qualifications. As now, skilled workers will be able to be accompanied by their dependants.

Publishers with specific concerns about the proposals or case studies/examples of how the proposed immigration system affects your business, please contact Amy Owens (amy.owens@ppa.co.uk)