[UK] The UK Points-Based Immigration System

On the 19th of February 2020, the Home Secretary Priti Patel launched the post-Brexit Points-Based Immigration System that will apply in the UK from the 1st of January 2021 at which time free movement from the EU stops.  This launch was billed as the government listening to “the clear message from the 2016 referendum and the 2019 General Election” and the new global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally in terms of accessing the UK.

Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK.  All applicants will be required to have a job offer and, in line with the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendations, the minimum salary threshold will be set at £25,600. 

On the 20th of February 2020, the “Global Talent scheme” was opened to EU citizens.  This will allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.  This replaces the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route.  The bespoke Global Talent route will have no cap on the number of people that are able to come to the UK, “demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting top talent”. 

The press release on gov.uk indicates that 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route. 

Global Payroll Association Comment

 Employers who take on employees are strongly encouraged to read the policy statement on how the government plans for the new points-based system to work.  Also, the press release on the launch of the Global Talent scheme.

 In another announcement that is relevant to employers, the Seasonal Workers Pilot has been expanded for the edible horticulture sector.

Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed on the 19th of February 2020 that this was being quadrupled to allow farmers to recruit up to 10,000 workers in 2020, up from the previous 2,500.

On the 19th of February 2020, the Home Secretary Priti Patel launched the post-Brexit Points-Based Immigration System that will apply in the UK from the 1st of January 2021 at which time free movement from the EU stops.  This launch was billed as the government listening to “the clear message from the 2016 referendum and the 2019 General Election” and the new global system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally in terms of accessing the UK.

Skilled workers will need to meet a number of relevant criteria, including specific skills and the ability to speak English, to be able to work in the UK.  All applicants will be required to have a job offer and, in line with the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) recommendations, the minimum salary threshold will be set at £25,600. 

On the 20th of February 2020, the “Global Talent scheme” was opened to EU citizens.  This will allow highly-skilled scientists and researchers to come to the UK without a job offer.  This replaces the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) route.  The bespoke Global Talent route will have no cap on the number of people that are able to come to the UK, “demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting top talent”. 

The press release on gov.uk indicates that 70% of the existing EU workforce would not meet the requirements of the skilled worker route. 

Global Payroll Association Comment

 Employers who take on employees are strongly encouraged to read the policy statement on how the government plans for the new points-based system to work.  Also, the press release on the launch of the Global Talent scheme.

 In another announcement that is relevant to employers, the Seasonal Workers Pilot has been expanded for the edible horticulture sector.

Environment Secretary George Eustice confirmed on the 19th of February 2020 that this was being quadrupled to allow farmers to recruit up to 10,000 workers in 2020, up from the previous 2,500.