Thursday 13 October 2022

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the decision of Home Secretary, Suella Braverman MP, to review immigration rules – and have urged the Minister that the needs of London must be catered for.

In its letter to the Home Secretary, the Chamber highlighted how London businesses were struggling to fill recruitment gaps. One of the reasons for these problems emerging is the complexity of the immigration rules to allow skilled people from across the world to work in the capital. LCCI warned that the ongoing problems with filling key jobs roles was beginning to negatively impact upon the London economy – which contributes 20% towards national GDP.

LCCI has strongly advised the Home Secretary that:

• The Government carefully consider the skills shortage that London is currently experiencing in sectors such as hospitality, construction and environmental businesses.
• For Home Office officials to meet with London businesses on a sectoral basis to listen to and engage with the needs of London.
• For businesses to be able to seek immigration status for workers via the stalled Government Authorised Exchange schemes.
• To enable overseas entrepreneurs who want to invest in London and the UK to gain visas.

To read the full letter to Suella Braverman KC MP, click here.

LCCI Chief Executive, Richard Burge, said “The Home Secretary has made the right call to review immigration rules. Ministers are spot on to recognise that the immigration system needs to work for business to ensure our city and our country prospers in the time ahead. We believe this review must address the needs of our capital city. London is a key driver of the national economy because we are a global city. As a global city, we need flexible immigration rules so that the skilled job gaps are – at last - filled”.

ENDS