The Government today confirmed that skilled chefs from outside the European Union will be allowed to work in the UK, despite tougher restrictions on immigration, which come in later this month.
Skilled chefs are on the shortage occupation list, which sets out those jobs for which there are not enough resident workers.
The list will be used as part of the skilled worker tier (Tier 2) of the Australian-style points system, which will be launched on 27 November.
To get in under Tier 2, skilled foreign workers must have:
- English language skills;
- Prospective earnings of more than £24,000 (£8.10 an hour), or slightly less if they have a decent qualification - or an offer of a job on the shortage list;
- Enough money to support themselves for the first month of their stay.
The British Hospitality Association (BHA) has been campaigning on the issue alongside Sector Skills Council People 1st.
A BHA spokesman said: “We are delighted that the Government has accepted the industry's arguments that skilled chefs should be included in the jobs available for workers outside the EU and we believe that the £8.10p pay threshold is reasonable.”
A spokeswoman for People 1st also welcomed the announcement, and said the Skills Council’s research on the issue played a key role in persuading the Government.
Employers will need to get a sponsor licence to enable them to bring migrant workers into the country from outside the European Economic Area. They will be checked out by the UK Border Agency and will sign up to certain duties.
BHA and People 1st welcome decision to include chefs on occupation list >>
Immigration squeeze hits ethnic restaurant sector >>
New immigration laws to target hospitality sector >>
Firms fined £700,000 for illegal workers since May >>
By Daniel Thomas
E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
| | Newsletters
For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters. | |