The former chairman of Pudsey Conservative Association has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to proceed with plans to heavily restrict access to the UK labour market for so-called “lower-skilled” overseas workers.
Dr Jason Aldiss, who opposes the UK leaving the European Union, has criticised Home Secretary Priti Patel’s decision to publish new guidance on the Government’s proposed “points-based” immigration system.
He says it would stop many employees currently filling essential roles in the country’s fight against coronavirus from working here in future.
The 10-page document, called “The UK’s points-based immigration system: an introduction for employers,” was released last Thursday.
It confirms that the Government intends to have new immigration arrangements in place before the end of this year when the post-Brexit transition period is due to end.
With some limited exceptions, foreign workers will be expected to earn more than £25,600, have a job offer and speak English to a certain level to get a work visa.
Referring to “lower-skilled workers,” the Government document says: “There will not be an immigration route specifically for those who do not meet the skills or salary threshold for the skilled worker route.”
In a statement, Dr Aldiss – who is managing director of Garforth-based veterinary services company Eville & Jones and also serves as Secretary General of the Union of European Veterinary Hygienists – called on the Prime Minister to think again.
He said:
“I am proud to lead a company that employs staff at all levels from numerous countries around the world. That special blend of diverse cultures and life experiences make us what we are.
“We have seen heroic efforts from countless dedicated workers, many of whom have their origins in other nations.
“Our country will never forget those brave doctors, nurses and healthcare assistants who have given their lives, alongside their NHS colleagues who continue to do such remarkable jobs in the most harrowing of circumstances.
“We must also salute the efforts of other essential workers, particularly in the care sector where a sixth of England’s 840,000 employees come from overseas.
“Additionally, hospital porters, supermarket staff, cleaners, delivery drivers, farm labourers, refuse collectors and those working in food processing – to name but a few.
“Many filling these vital roles also come from outside the UK, and yet the Government regards them as ‘lower-skilled’ and wants to stop them travelling here if its immigration proposals are implemented.
“It is disrespectful and – as I believe the country now understands better than ever before – it is wrong, both socially and economically. Surely we are better than this.
“I was pleased to see Boris Johnson pay special tribute to two overseas nurses who cared for him when his life was under threat. I hope that his clearly traumatic experience will convince him to revisit the Government’s misguided immigration plans before it is too late.
“We need key workers from around the world to be allowed to come here. The Prime Minister has the power and authority to make that happen.
“These wonderful people, who are helping us through the coronavirus crisis, deserve nothing less.”
Dr Aldiss resigned as chairman Pudsey Conservative Association last June, saying Boris Johnson was ‘not fit to be Party Leader and UK Prime Minister’.
A government spokesperson said:
“Now that we have left the EU, free movement is coming to an end and we will be introducing a new points-based immigration system from January 2021.
“We want to give employers as much time as possible to prepare for the new system that will bring in the best and brightest to the UK, which is why we have published this guidance.
“The Government is committed to helping businesses through this difficult time. We have announced unprecedented support for businesses including £330 billion in business loans and guarantees, cash grants for small businesses, paying 80% of furloughed workers’ wages, business rates holidays and tax deferrals.”