CBI responds to quarterly migration statistics

Matthew Fell, Chief UK Policy Director, said:

“The latest figures feel like a glimpse of the past. They present a stark contrast to the situation today.

“The new immigration system will come into a changed world. All businesses are currently prioritising safety and protecting jobs during this period of unprecedented stress. For now, some businesses are less likely to hire from overseas than before the crisis. But many others will need to access the new immigration system to help grow the UK economy and have little capacity to prepare for it.

“Time is running out if government and business are to implement this well. The details of the new system must be published soon so that all stakeholders can have a pragmatic conversation about the time it will take to implement.”