UKWA disappointed by mooted £30k migrant salary requirement

The sector depends on immigrant labour – particularly at peak times, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas.

At the Conservative Party Conference, Prime Minister Theresa May promised low-skilled migration will fall when the UK ends EU free movement access after Brexit.

The speech outlined a vision favouring "skilled workers" – who usually have to earn at least £30,000 and have a job offer.

Peter Ward said: “The announcement was disappointing in the extreme. It is vital that the Government understands the need for low-level, low-skilled workers. Work permits for level 5 educated employees on salaries over £30k will simply not help our sector.”

UKWA has repeatedly highlighted the impact of the so-called ‘Brexodus’ of Eastern European migrants leaving the UK since the Brexit vote and has voiced the deep concerns of members – including major retailers – that the proposed government cap on immigration post-Brexit will severely exacerbate the labour crisis. 

Peter Ward added: “We echo the message to Government from the CBI, but are frustrated that while hospitality, healthcare and construction sectors are mentioned  – again logistics is overlooked; yet ours is the industry that facilitates global trade and feeds and clothes the nation. 

“Clearly it is imperative that UKWA continues to work hard to raise awareness of the potentially disastrous consequences for our members of post-Brexit immigration caps. Next week, UKWA holds its annual parliamentary luncheon and we will be taking this opportunity to prioritise the migrant labour issue in our message to policy makers."