ICE response to migration cap
ICE vice president Barry Clarke commented on today’s announcement that the cap for non EEA migrant workers will be set at 21,700 next year excluding intra company transfers for those with salaries over £40,000.
“While we’re pleased Government has erred on the side of caution in determining the limit, this cap could still have a detrimental impact on the UK’s ability to deliver the world-class infrastructure we need to guarantee energy security and maintain global competitiveness.
“The nuclear sector in particular will need many specialist engineers to build a new fleet of power stations, fast becoming crucial to meeting our environmental goals and keeping the lights on. Due to a growing skills gap in engineering generally and the fact that we haven’t built a new nuclear station for 15 years many of these will need to be sourced from overseas projects where the most up-to-date knowledge and experience exists.
“In light of today’s decision there is now even more onus on Government to support industry in developing our indigenous skills base, providing certainty around regulation and planning and showing real commitment to upskilling a new generation of engineers to meet the challenges of the future.”
More information
See the ICE consultation response to the Migration Advisory Committee here: www.ice.org.uk/economic-migration
Media contacts
Emily Beadon, ICE Media Manager, 0207 665 2261, emily.beadon@ice.org.uk
Notes to editors
The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is a leading source of professional expertise in transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy. Established in 1818, it has over 80,000 members throughout the world including over 60,000 in the UK. ICE’s vision is the place civil engineering the heart of society, delivering sustainable development through knowledge, skills and professional expertise. The ICE has long worked with the government of the day to help it to achieve its objectives, and has worked with industry to ensure that construction and civil engineering remain major contributors to the UK economy and UK exports.