Date set for changes to UK points based system Tier 2

November 25 2009 by Liam Clifford

Changes to the rules when employers can offer jobs to immigrants will take effect from the 14 December.

The UK immigration department’s website has published a statement about the introduction of plans to extend the period of UK advertising for jobs that may eventually go to UK work visa holders.

According to the statement, from 14 December jobs will have to be advertised in the UK for four weeks before workers from outside the EU are sought to fill positions.

Phil Woolas, the UK immigration minister, said, “we've always said that we would run our immigration system for the benefit of the UK and that is why the Prime Minister announced that we will extend the amount of time employers must advertise jobs in Jobcentre Plus, before they can bring in a worker from outside Europe.”

The changes are being brought in response to recommendation made by the Migration Advisory Committee in August. The move is expected to help British workers to gain the jobs they need as the country emerges from the recession.

As always, immigrants from the EU can move to the UK and apply for the jobs offered at the Jobcentre Plus at any time.

Phil Woolas, summing up the UK immigration changes, added that it will still allow firms to hire foreigners who want to work in the UK: "It will ensure that businesses can recruit the skilled foreign workers that the economy needs.”

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