Migration cap could cost IT industry

Experience and knowledge of migrant workers is important for IT, says recruitment firm

Migrant workers are important for the economy

The migration cap proposed by the coalition government could prevent businesses from finding the workers they need, according to specialist IT recruitment firm IntaPeople.

The Home Office has confirmed that there will be an interim limit of 24,100 work visas awarded to non-EU migrants between now and April.

However, after pressure from several business groups and cabinet members, home secretary Theresa May has agreed to hold a 12-week consultation to discuss the issue before any permanent measures are announced.

Phil Handley, operations director at IntaPeople, said: “My concern is that a cap like this could prevent exceptionally skilled migrants from outside the EU entering the country. Although looking for candidates closer to home when unemployment figures are high may seem sensible, it isn't always this straightforward.”

“We have filled key IT positions that would simply not have been filled had it not been for the experience and knowledge of migrant workers. We welcome the decision to hold a consultation, and hope that the government can devise a more localised approach, so that areas suffering from skills shortages can continue to recruit the talent they need.”