London, Oct 31 (HNA) – United Kingdom Home Office decided to exclude chefs from the Shortage Occupation List, on the letter sent by British Takeaway Campaign, lead by İbrahim Dogus, to the UK Government after the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) decision to exclude chefs from the Shortage Occupation List.
The letter, which reflects a recent reply that the Home Secretary sent to the MAC on the issue, stated that the Government will not be accepting the Committee’s advised changes to the SOL in the short term due to the impact of coronavirus. This means that chefs will remain on the Shortage Occupation List for the time being.
“This is a very positive decision from the Government, and follows our highlighting of the detrimental impact that the MAC’s recommendation would have had on the sector. We will continue to engage on this issue to ensure that the sector’s voice is heard on immigration matters in the future” said İbrahim Dogus, Chairman of the British Takeaway Campaign.
“The Government’s careful consideration of the MAC’s findings and recommendations must
be set against the backdrop of the global pandemic and its continuing impact – not only in
relation to overseas migrants’ ability to travel to the UK, but also the very uncertain future many resident workers in the UK are unfortunately facing” replied the UK Home Office officially İbrahim Dogus, regarding his October 16 letter to the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets about the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report on the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), and went on as followS:
“Furthermore, whilst Home Office analysts have carefully considered the possible impacts
of the new immigration system, making best use of existing evidence and data the fact is,
Coronavirus is not the only uncertainty. Looking specifically at the new Skilled Worker
route, which launches on 1 December, we will need time to monitor its impact on migration
flows and the labour market, and whether this is in line with our detailed planning
assumptions.
“You will be aware the UK labour market is changing rapidly and it will have changed since
the Government commissioned this report. At this time, the Government has decided not
to immediately accept any of the recommendations contained in the MAC’s SOL report.
Therefore, bringing forward another review would not be prudent.
“This will mean that Chefs will remain on the SOL for the time being. However, as we are
broadening the skill requirement in the new Skilled Worker route from RQF level 6 (Degree
level skills) to now include occupations at RQF level 3 and above (A levels and equivalent
skill levels) and lowering the salary requirement to reflect this, more skilled chefs will be able to use the system.
“As with the current system, the future system does not require a migrant to hold
qualifications at certain levels, just to be performing a role judged to be at the specified
skill level. There are certain skills which differentiate a skilled chef from a simple cook for instance.
“The Government encourages employers to look to recruit resident workers wherever
possible. The Kickstart scheme offers financial support to employers who create jobs for
young Universal Credit claimants. This support is not available for sponsoring migrant new entrants. Employers will need to meet the full wage costs of their sponsored new
entrants, as well as paying the Immigration Skills Charge.
“We will always encourage employers to invest in training the resident population and the
Home Office supports the Department for Educations development of T-levels.
The Home Office will keep labour market data under very careful scrutiny to monitor any
pressures in key sectors, especially considering recent events.”