In response to the suggestion from immigration minister, Robert Goodwill, at the Lords’ Brexit sub-committee today, that the Government is considering extending the £1,000 annual charge on employers for each migrant worker to EU staff, Seamus Nevin, Head of Employment and Skills Policy at the Institute of Directors, said:

“Employers accept that immigration policy will be changing, with the Government seemingly intent on making it harder to bring workers from abroad. However, charging £1,000 for each EU worker would hit businesses who are dependent on skills from abroad. The UK needs these companies to do well if we are to make a success of Brexit.

“We urge the Government to reconsider this proposal. Businesses are already working with ministers to improve the home-grown skills supply, but this tax will only damage jobs growth at a time when many businesses are living with uncertainty. They simply cannot endure the double whammy of more restriction and then, if they do succeed in finding the right candidate, the prospect of an extra charge.”

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