British businesses are 'crying wolf' about the economic risks of slashing migrant numbers, think tank claims

  • Migration Watch said a cap on skilled migrant workers had never been breached
  • Since 2010, there is a annual limit of 20,700 visas skilled for non-EU migrants 
  • In 2015-16 more were requested more almost 3,000 were returned un-used 
  • Migration Watch said it showed post-Brexit curbs would not hurt the economy

By Tim Sculthorpe, Mailonline Deputy Political Editor

Published: | Updated:

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of Migration Watch UK, said businesses were 'crying wolf' about the impact of curbs on numbers 

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of Migration Watch UK, said businesses were 'crying wolf' about the impact of curbs on numbers 

A major think tank campaigning for lower immigration to Britain has accused businesses of 'crying wolf' over the the risks of curbing numbers.

Migration Watch analysed a cap on skilled migrants arriving in Britain from outside the EU and found it had never been reached.

As Home Secretary, Theresa May ruled in 2010 that a maximum of 20,700 visas would be issued to skilled migrants each year.

The number of applications has been exceeded only once in 2015-16 when 22,037 visas were granted - but almost 2,800 were never used.

Alp Mehmet, vice-chairman of Migration Watch UK, told The Times: 'The business lobby have been crying wolf for years about the impact of the cap on business but it has now become clear that the annual cap has never been breached.

'The very same lobby is now claiming that a reduction in migration from the EU for low-skilled work will be a disaster but, with their record, the public will not be convinced.'

In its latest report, Migration Watch said failure of business to fully use the Restricted Certificates of Sponsorship system showed there was nothing to fear from new curbs on migration after Brexit. 

Skilled migrants can get visas via other routes - particularly if they can show exceptional talent or demonstrate they are funded entrepreneurs or investors.

Companies can also bring in migrants via internal transfers. 

Under current rules, skilled migrants from EU countries can freely live and work in the UK but this is likely to end after Brexit. 

Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed to get greater border control as part of her Brexit deal with the European Union 

Prime Minister Theresa May has vowed to get greater border control as part of her Brexit deal with the European Union 

Institute of Directors employment and skills policy chief Seamus Nevin warned an extension of the current system would hurt business - warning the visa rules were 'not fit for purpose'. 

He told The Times: 'Employers must answer over 100 questions about a prospective employee when applying for a visa on their behalf and applications are typically 85 pages in length.

'Home Office officials must then consult 1,300 pages of instructions before deciding if a visa will be issued, so employers are often left waiting for months to hear whether an application has been granted.

'If Migration Watch think this is a good system, clearly they know little about the realities of running a business.'

Total immigration is running at record highs of 650,000 - leaving net migration at more than 330,000 a year 

Total immigration is running at record highs of 650,000 - leaving net migration at more than 330,000 a year 

Immigration is at the heart of the debate over Brexit and Mrs May's negotiating goals in Brussels. 

The Prime Minister has insisted the referendum result was a clear demand for tighter border control, while maintaining the 'best possible access' for firms to the European single market. 

Net migration to Britain is running at near record levels of more than 330,000 a year.  

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