Million Plus

The university think-tank million+ has responded to the Written Statement to parliament today by the Immigration Minister, James Brokenshire MP, on reforms to Tier 2, the migration route for those undertaking skilled work in the UK. The Statement was made in response to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)’s review of Tier 2, and its separate review of whether nurses should remain on the Shortage Occupation List.

Professor Dave Phoenix, Chair of million+ and Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, said:

“Whilst the government is right to support getting UK students into work, increasing the Tier 2 minimum salary threshold in this way is the wrong way to go about this.

“Any blanket increase is likely to disproportionately impact upon areas of the UK outside of London and the South East, due to regional variation in average salaries. This means many international students who graduate from universities all across the country will have much less chance of finding employment in those areas and contributing to the local economy.

“It is therefore important that the government thinks about the long-term regional impact of this policy, and makes sure that this country always remains open and welcoming to international students, who add great value to communities all across the UK.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 | 07527 336795 or press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. The full written statement can be found here