In its previous report in 2018 MAC had set out evidence of current and likely future patterns of EAA migration and their impact. FPC was concerned that the MAC report assumed that the availability of EU migrants in so-called low skilled roles would continue to provide sufficient labour. However, this did not take into account evidence from the UK food and drink and agricultural sectors of the difficulties experienced then in retention and recruitment.
FPC responded to the subsequent Migration Advisory Committee's combined consultation on salary threshold and proposed introduction of a points based immigration system for a future UK Immigration Policy.
The shortfall in availability and retention of temporary labour continues to be an issue against the backdrop of Brexit and the uncertainty of the UK's future immigration strategy. We are continuing to lobby in this area, particularly as the MAC's recommendations to UK Government focused on the development of a high skilled workforce and failed to recognise the importance of low skill and temporary labour for the UK economy.