End of line for fast track

Firms may need to review their recruitment plans following the government's decision to end its fast-track permit programme for overseas IT workers.

The scheme was launched in January 2000 so firms could appoint foreigners with skills in short supply, without first advertising in the UK. However, critics said it let firms use cheap labour, undercutting UK contractors. Applicable skills included Java, XML and Windows 2000. Over 20,000 permits were issued.

However, from today all IT skills will be removed from the shortage list, so firms must show that they have tried hard to fill vacancies before seeking work permits.

Philip Ross of the Professional Contractors Group, which opposed the scheme, said the UK now has a surplus of skills: "Half of IT contractors are out of work, and many permanent IT staff have been laid off."

A Home Office panel will review the situation each quarter. Ross, a panel member, said, "As new products come out there will always be a shortage of certain skills."