The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) has today commented on the Home Affairs Committee’s report on migration, titled: “Policy options for future migration from the European Economic Area: Interim report.”
Commenting on the report, Brigid Simmonds OBE, BBPA Chief Executive, said:
“It is vitally important for the beer and pub sector that there is a clear focus on immigration policy and this is why we have previously welcomed the Government’s announcements on applications for settled status, as 24% of all employees across the BBPA’s membership come from abroad, of which 17% are from the EU.
“The BBPA shares the concerns of the Home Affairs Committee however, regarding the lack of debate on policy options to date and that as soon as is practical after the Migration Advisory Committee reports, the Government must bring forward detailed immigration policy options for consultation. It is vital that businesses are able to access the skills and people required to support economic growth and that there is greater certainty for this. As part of this, the BBPA also supports an overhaul of the UK’s arrangements for non-EU nationals.
“As recognised by the Home Affairs Committee, there is now a greater understanding by the electorate of the benefits of overseas workers in the UK and the role they play. For brewing and pubs, this means there needs to be a review of the tier system. There is a real shortage for pubs when it comes to recruiting chefs, who would not qualify for tier two status. In this regard, it has been good to see the Government’s proposals that the Youth Mobility Scheme be extended to the EU as part of the recent announcements following the Chequers Summit.”
