The HBAA has welcomed reports that the proposed £30,000 minimum salary threshold for migrant workers after Brexit is expected to be scrapped.
Boris Johnson’s plans for an Australian-style points-based immigration system are set to see him ditch the proposed minimum salary of £30,000 recommended by his predecessor as prime minister, Theresa May.
Lex Butler, chair of the HBAA, said: “The prime minister’s rethink on the £30,000 minimum salary threshold for migrants is being welcomed by the hospitality and events sector.
“Otherwise many thousands of highly trained and skilled workers from the EU and the rest of the world would not be able to come to work here.
“Too often the fact that staff are relatively low paid is immediately equated with low-skilled. In this industry many staff with high levels of responsibility and skill would not pass this test.
Last year’s third annual HBAA Brexit survey reported that 18.7 per cent of members said that Brexit has had a major impact on their ability to recruit staff.
Butler added: “The industry is working hard to recruit more young people to build careers in this industry but, in the near future, we shall not be able to replace all the migrant workers. Unless this minimum salary barrier is removed, the UK will struggle to maintain its position as a world-class destination for business and leisure tourism.”
However, according to The Times, migrants’ earnings will still be considered as part of their application to come to the UK, alongside other criteria. These other criteria could include English proficiency; qualifications; occupation and willingness to work in certain areas of the UK.
The prime minister is reported to have told a Cabinet meeting that unskilled immigration will be reduced post-Brexit and that the overall number of people able to move to the UK will be cut.
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M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
