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Now it is 'British jobs for British graduates'
Joe Murphy, Political Editor4 Feb 2009
CURBS on skilled foreign workers coming to the UK may be imposed to keep jobs open for British graduates.
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".
Reader views (12)
So Brown is willing to protect the jobs of the middle classes but not the working classes?
Should not that type of discrimination be illegal (class discrimination) in the same manner as sexual and racial discrimination are?
- Brendan Lenton, Leeds, 05/02/2009 02:28
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and europe for the europeans. The EU should impose a visa to any briton wishing to step on the continent so the british can stay in their little island all year around.
- John Span, london, 04/02/2009 23:37
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When I was at university native students were far more interested in getting drunk than emulating their hard-working, studious overseas collegues. Not entirely their fault, british educational standards being so abysmal that competing on purely academic grounds is a challenge. Let's ask foreigners to lower their standards so we can compete.
- alan, islington, 04/02/2009 15:51
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Edward. What is the graduate's name? I think he should be sent your email! Nothing like a spot of public humiliation to cause him to sharpen up his act. Or, on second thoughts, maybe bring a lawsuit!
- john, london, 04/02/2009 15:34
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Blah blah blah. When we we have an end to these useless statements that are just soundbites and will never come to anything? When we get an election and we can vote these bozos out.
- Keith Price, Luton, 04/02/2009 13:58
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If British graduates are still of the same high calibre they have always been and Labour haven't been dumbing down GCSE's, 'A' Levels and degrees then they should be employed above foreign counterparts surely?
- Bob, Cheam, 04/02/2009 13:31
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"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."-LIAR!
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 04/02/2009 13:13
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The assumption behind this, of course, is that British graduates are actually of the right calibre that companies need. Sadly, this is not always the case. Automatic preference of employment for immature young people with substandard degrees in fairy-tale subjects, carrying around an attitude that the world owes them a living is a disaster waiting to happen. The "graduate" I've had to supervise since last October can't spell to save his life but won't be told anything because he's training for "management". Says it all really...
- Edward Thompson, Bedfordshire, 04/02/2009 13:08
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... and next it will be University closures due to lack of Overseas Students! Just take a look at the income generated from overseas students and the percentage of overseas students in British Universities...
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK, 04/02/2009 12:54
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Is Labour assuming theses graduates will be loyal voters?
DOUBLE STANDARDS, DOUBLE STANDARDS.
And it will only make matters worse with the current strikers, as it shows one rule for one, different ones for others.
- P I Staker, London, SW8, 04/02/2009 11:59
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Load of rubbish. A very high percentage of students are over here on visas that basically grant them right to remain once their studies have finished. As I look around me now I can see most of my company's grad intake are not from the UK/EU.
- Scott, London, 04/02/2009 11:03
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Phil is our local MP and has pledged his support for our 'Cassh Accounting' campaign. This canmpaign will free up cash flow for small businesses across Britain who are having to cut back - namely hiring programmes.
Unfortunately, such cutbacks often begin with graduate schemes that are sadly seen as a luxury by many companies. Though we are indifferent to the measures by which Phil is trying to promote British Graduate jobs, our campaign is in support of sustainable graduate schemes throughout Britain by allowing companies to use cash Accouting - which, though related (because of Graduates) is distinctly different from Phil's announcement today and the measures therein.
Phil will be in our offices this Friday morning so I'm inviting members of the press in to get comments on Phil's support for cash Accounting.
- Matthew Connaughton, Marketing Manager, Applied Language, Oldham (appliedlanguage.com), 04/02/2009 10:49
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