Now it is 'British jobs for British graduates'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said he may tighten the immigration points system before the summer when 400,000 students will leave university and look for jobs.

"We want to maintain the highest possible levels of British graduate employment," Mr Woolas told The Independent. "The points-based system that has been introduced allows us to toughen the criteria, and clearly in the economic situation that is something it is beholden on us to do."

It would allow restrictions to be imposed on migrants from outside the European Union, including America, the Far East and Africa. EU workers have free access to British jobs.

In previous recessions, graduates have found job offers dried up quickly as unemployment rose and experienced people joined the queue for vacancies.

Ministers deny making policy on the hoof in response to the row over foreign workers. They claim the scheme, dubbed "British jobs for British graduates", has been under discussion for several weeks.

It now goes to Cabinet for discussion along with other measures.

A UK Border Agency spokesman said it would use the points system "to ensure that we are doing the right thing by British workers and for the long-term stability of the economy".