Wednesday 11 October 2017
Mayor's Migration Paper welcome but time running out for real solutions
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has given a broad welcome to the publication of Mayor Sadiq Khan's Migration Paper but said time is running out for concrete, practical proposals to be enacted.
Chief Executive of LCCI, Colin Stanbridge said: "The Mayor outlined the issues and challenges that London could face if a satisfactory solution on future immigration is not put forward by Government.
"We commend the Mayor for listening to the concerns of businesses and recognising the contribution made by foreign nationals and we share his desire for EU nationals to receive a cast iron guarantee about their status.
"However employees and employers need certainty and that will come not from words on the floor of Parliament but practical proposals.
"The Home Office will not receive the MAC report until September 2018 - nearly a year away. London cannot wait.
"We urge the Mayor to look at drawing-up a template for a dedicated Shortage Occupation List for London - like Scotland already has.
"Likewise London's civic and business leaders could come together to design a proposal for a future work permit system for our Capital.
"The clock is ticking on Brexit. Positive pressure can be brought to bear on Government by taking a lead on producing practical proposals.
"City Hall, not Whitehall, will know what is best for London."
ENDS
Media contact
Katharine McGee
T: +44 (0)20 7203 1897
M: +44 (0)7827 241528
E: kmcgee@londonchamber.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Colin Stanbridge is available for further comment and interview.