Tier 2 changes represent more opportunities for British workers

As of the 14th of December changes to the Tier 2 resident labour market test under the points-based system will mean that all jobs will be advertised for four weeks. Present legislation requires jobs only be advertised for two weeks or even just the one in cases where the salary is equal or above £40,000.

According to Immigration Minister Phil Woolas, the government has always claimed that it will operate its immigration procedures for the benefit of the UK and British workers and that the changes will mean all jobs must be advertised for one month at home before employers can begin to look abroad for workers.

The extension comes as a result of a recommendation by the Migrant Advisory Committee (MAC) in their report on the Tier 2 system which was published earlier this year in August, with full acceptance by the government taking place in September. On November 12th Gordon Brown confirmed that the extended market test would take place in Autumn to provide better support for workers from the UK who are searching for skilled employment as the recession continues its slow recovery.

The new changes will come into effect on the 14th of December and will apply to any advertising that begins on or after that date. Existing advertisements will not be required to be resubmitted to meet new requirements.

In addition to the extended period, the four weeks are not required to be run continuously. This will likely mean that employers will advertise for around a fortnight to get the word out on the street in a bid to lure resident skilled workers. If no suitable staff can be found then the next two weeks of ads will be run before companies can look at employing migrant workers.