Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (20 January) commented on the Migration Advisory Committee report,  A Points-Based System and Salary Thresholds for Immigration, welcoming calls for a reduced salary threshold and arguing for further consultation on a Points Based immigration system.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Chair of MillionPlus and Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, said:

“The report rightly recommends a reduction in the Tier 2 general salary threshold, which has been a long-standing issue for universities and businesses across the country. Any arbitrary figure creates problems, but the current £30,000 threshold means that the UK is losing out on global talent. The reduction, which MillionPlus argued for in its submission, would be a step in the right direction and we hope the government will take this on board.

“The MAC’s recommendations on a future Points Based System (PBS) are also constructive and thoughtful. We have called for clear government objectives from which to develop a PBS policy based on the Australian model, arguing that greater consultation was needed in order to get it right. We strongly welcome the MAC’s agreement with this analysis and any pragmatic moves to start this wider conversation while retaining much needed clarity within the system. Such a significant change to the immigration system requires careful planning and we hope this report will spark a new period of consultation with the government to determine a system that works in the best interest of the UK.

“Clearly there remains much to address, such as the single salary threshold across all of the UK and the inability to pro-rata salaries, however the MAC has listened to the sector in many areas and we look forward to working with them and the government as policy is developed in this important area.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. The MAC report is available here
4. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
5. Modern universities: facts and stats