Chamber News
Scottish firms call for migration strategy to tackle skills shortages
30 July 2024 • Sarah Medcraf
Writing in today's
Herald, Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce,
calls upon the UK Government to adopt a skilled migration strategy to address
labour market challenges:
"Labour’s
action plan for government promises a much-needed focus on Scotland’s economic
challenges but needs greater clarity and urgent action.
"One of the most pressing issues is the competition for skills and talent.
It’s a global problem, not simply a local one, and our economy relies on access
to an internationally accessible pool.
"The Prime Minister has outlined plans for Skills England, which aims to
reduce the need for migration in key sectors of the economy by upskilling the
domestic workforce.
"Collaboration is key to meeting Scotland’s skills challenges.
"Before the election, it was reported that Labour would consider curbs on
hiring foreign workers if firms did not sign up to its skills policy.
"While Skills England does not cover Scotland, as skills are a devolved
issue, firms in Scotland need urgent clarity on its implications for
immigration policy.
"Placing arbitrary limits on skilled immigration due to a policy that will
not even support Scottish firms would be an immediate blow to the trust needed
between business and the government."
Read more here