Potential restrictions to overseas hiring for technology and engineering jobs: IMI comment

Professional body calls for balanced approach as automotive sector faces 20,000 skills gap

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has responded to news that the Labour government is asking independent migration advisors to review the current systems for the approval of skilled worker visas.

Kevin Finn, Executive Chair of the IMI said:

“Fostering domestic talent across the UK economy is, of course, critical for long-term sustainability. However, the automotive sector is experiencing a significant skills gap right now, which a measured use of foreign workers' skills could help to tackle. 

“The latest IMI automotive vacancies data showed there are currently 20,000 job openings across 200 roles. And one of the most significant challenges we face is that each vacancy in automotive is competing against tech roles across a wider range of industries.

“We believe that a balanced approach will help address immediate workforce requirements with long-term skills development. As such, the IMI welcomes the proposal to establish stronger links between the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and the newly created Skills England body and we look forward to contributing our own insight and that of our membership whose experience is critical.

“This collaboration has the potential to create a more robust framework for future workforce upskilling, ensuring that all sectors are well-prepared to meet future demands.”