Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
NORTHERN IRELAND’S HOSPITALITY sector has called changes to the UK’s immigration system as a “body blow”.
Colin Neil, the Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster, told RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland programme that the new post-Brexit points-based immigration system would severely hit Northern Ireland in particular.
“This is a body blow. It will cripple the growth of our sector,” Neil said.
“Northern Ireland has the lowest unemployment rate for a generation. We have a low birth rate. We do not have the physical bodies here. We’re seeing a drain of EU nationals,” he said.
A policy statement outlining plans for a new points-based system after freedom of movement ends said the economy needs to move away from a reliance on “cheap labour from Europe”.
“Nobody wants to walk into one of our Irish bars and it’s just a row of vending machines or a burger drops to your plate from somewhere. We need people. That’s the bottom line. And if we don’t get them, our industry will not only not grow,” Neil said.
Changes
The changes are designed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering Britain from the beginning of next year but aim to make it easier for higher-skilled workers to get UK visas.
EU and non-EU citizens will be treated equally with criminal background checks carried out on everyone coming to the UK – affecting applications of anyone who has been given a prison sentence of 12 months or more.
People who want to live and work in the UK will need to gain 70 points to be eligible to apply for a visa.
Points will be awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
“Top priority” will be given to those with “the highest skills and the greatest talents”, like scientists, engineers and academics – who may not need a job offer to be allowed in.
Neil was critical of the approach of the UK government and said it would leave Northern Irish businesses short of staff.
The new rules were also criticised by politicians in the North.
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said the new rules were a “fundamental threat” to the North’s economy.
“The salary threshold ignores the reality of regional median salaries across key industries including retail, agriculture and hospitality. This isn’t about cheap labour, it’s about recognising and meeting the needs of our unique and distinct economic circumstances,” Eastwood said.
With reporting from Press Association
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
When Labour aligned themselves to austerity & water charges they effectively signed their own political death warrant, and Joan Burton persuing her “captors” through the courts was the final nail in the coffin.
@Brendan Cullen: They are just a extension of FFG……same keep the gravy train rolling for certain sectors and screw everyone else.
@Brendan Cullen: yeah it was interesting how they kept Alan Kelly hidden for the campaign…
At last! Leo has achieved something!
The thought of a three party system does not cheer me. We saw Labour’s mettle in 2011 onward. The voters have spoken on that. Now Sinn Fein has a chance to show theirs and to sway the nay-sayers who fear that it will be a return to militarism. Hopefully they will do what Labour didn’t, take care of the working people rather than the elite. Mary Lou, here’s your chance. If you focus on reunification rather than social issues you will lose the votes that you got this election.
No one should be surprised that a left leaning party has performed so well in this election. Hopefully a new government will now focus on the pressing issues for young working people starting out on their professional careers – Rent prices, house prices, the health system and pay inequality. These issues among other issues, among others, have been a blight on our country for far too long.
How people forgot what the greens done is shocking
If labour stood for something they might do better. They have no ideology. No passion. I would say go back to their roots but the people in labour I know don’t have any grá for the working class.
The spectacle of Burton, Stagg, Costello, O’Sullivan out canvassing was ridiculous. Not ageist, but it was ridiculous that these people didn’t have the sense to retire and encourage younger candidates to stand. Very poor leadership from Howlin. But then, how long has he been around? If Labour had stayed out of government in 2011 by forcing FG to form a minority government , they could be looking at forming an administration now. Crazy stuff on their part. Whoever advises them is clueless.
@Valthebear: Simple really, The lure of the BIG wage packet!
If only FG had listened to their former supporters instead of turning on them at every opportunity
So now Sinn Fein might actually have to do something instead of whinging from the sidelines. No doubt their hypocrisy and ineptitude will now be exposed.
@Geoff Scargill: Sour grapes Geoff?? Or is just that you earn over 100k
@stevenw: You do understand the people who are that level are already paying the highest level of tax, that is how are tax system works.
Top 5% of earners, earned over €100,000 in income and paid 40% of personal tax.
@stevenw: The bitterness being displayed by FF and FG is extreme, trying to re-hash the campaign although they lost. Loads of people on here saying ‘but FF and FG got way more seats than Sinn Fein’, actually admitting that they are now one party in all but name. The 100K figure gets bandied about a lot, in error. According to the manifesto those earning up to 100K will pay less tax and the people who will pay most are those earning over 140K and those who have accumulated wealth (excluding the value of a family / first home).
@Barry Russell: Do none of them pension park any of their earnings? You know at the lower rate of tax?
The alternative was Fianna Fáil who are still looking very dates especially when you look at some of their opposites in Sinn Fein – Eoin O’Broin and Pearse Doherty. I mean they’ve little or no recognisable stars. Micheal Martin was poor on figures – MacDonald looked much more watertight – he reminded people of Adams in 2016 I reckon.
They sold their political souls to the devil on more than one occasion and have paid the price. It says something about a so called left wing party that is more comfortable going into coalition with a right wing party than their more natural partners. True champagne socialists. Including their €10000 a night hotel staying El presidente
Power is going to be like kryptonite for Sinn Fein if they manage to form a government.
It’ll be interesting to see what will happen when they realise you can’t suddenly magic up houses and apartments or hospital wards / beds.
It’ll also be interesting to see what landlords’ reactions will be when their rental income is controlled.
Interesting times ahead for Local Authority / Health Board management once reality slaps Sinn Fein in the face.
labour are too embedded with the Public Service unions – they only represent the Public Sector
I still dont see why everyone ” killed” labour and let the other parties walk all over them.. apply the same standards to FF & FG and then no one is left standing!
have your say