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NEW SCOTS: Attracting Fresh Talent to meet the Challenge of Growth
PROMOTING SCOTLAND AS A DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE APPLYING FOR UK WORK PERMITS
Current UK immigration policy is clear in its objective of reducing the number of illegal immigrants, while boosting the number of economic migrants.
Speaking on 1 December 2003, the Home Office Minister, Beverley Hughes, said:
"Migrants make a significant economic contribution to the UK - they account for only 8 per cent of the population but contribute 10 per cent of GDP. It is in all our interests to harness the innovation, skills and productivity that new migrants can bring.
"As a key player in a global economy, we cannot afford to
be anti-immigration, but we need a balanced approach - welcoming those who want to come here legally and contribute but cracking down on those who try to come illegally or try to abuse our asylum system."
It is this balanced approach to in-migration that Scotland will adopt in its drive to attract Fresh Talent.
The Home Office issue around 175,000 migrant work permits a year. At the moment only a relatively small proportion of these are for people coming to work in Scotland. Over the past year we have worked very closely with the Home Office to explore ways how we can promote Scotland better as a work destination and help Scottish employers look for workers from both EU and non-EU countries.
We already have links with Fresh Talent information on the website of Work Permits UK and the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate ( www.workingintheuk.gov.uk).
This website will display the Fresh Talent link.
During discussions with Scottish employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, it became clear that many were reluctant to use the work permits system because they perceived it to be cumbersome and bureaucratic.
Work Permits UK (WPUK) have agreed to work with the Scottish Executive to explain the service to Scottish employers more effectively.
WPUK will promote themselves proactively to Scottish business, through exhibitions and other activities.
WPUK, in partnership with the Scottish Executive, will provide training seminars for employers.
It became clear during our discussions with representatives of small businesses that many need practical assistance to navigate the migrant work permit scheme.
The Scottish Executive will prepare an easy-to-use toolkit for small businesses considering employing staff who require a work permit.
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