Should employers have to prove no UK worker is available before hiring from abroad?
UK employers do not have to prove that no UK worker is available before sponsoring a migrant. The Resident Labour Market Test was abolished in 2020, and sponsors now only need to show a genuine vacancy. Sponsorship already carries costs, including an Immigration Skills Charge of £1,320 a year for medium and large employers since December 2025. Sponsored roles must also meet a £41,700 general salary threshold and a degree-level skill requirement.
3 Opinions
Surely businesses have enough "red tape". This would probably impact the NHS most of all because the law would apply to all workers and the NHS would end up with even less money to carry out looking after people
It’s a global market, an employer’s not going to reduce their standards. The bigger issue is that foreign workers tend to accept lower wages. In a cost of living crisis we’re being priced out of our own jobs. We need to address that problem first.
UK citizens’ employment should be maximised and prioritised, thus reducing unemployment and keeping income within the UK. The Resident Market Test should be reenacted.