Immigration security

Immigration crackdown would lead to UK staff shortages, including in NHS, report warns

The future of some UK businesses is at risk if the government follows through with its plan to crack down on immigration, a new report warns.

In its monthly review, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) found employers have rebounded from the initial shock of the Brexit vote in June. Permanent hiring began to rise in September for the first time since the referendum.

However, it found the availability of permanent and temporary staff continued to fall last month. At the same time, demand for staff continued to rise.

Those jobs suffering skill shortages included accountants, HGV drivers, architects, care workers, scientists and toolmakers, it said. For temporary jobs there were shortages of electricians, call center staff and bricklayers.

The right of EU citizens to continue to work in the UK is likely to be one of the key areas of Brexit negotiations likely to begin in March 2017. Prime Minister Theresa May has signaled she intends to take a tougher line on immigration.