The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the leading trade association representing Britain’s Brewers and pubs, has commented on a pledge from the Conservative Party to introduce a points-based system for non-EU migrants.
As part of their commitment for a points-based immigration system, the Conservative Party has said that visa applications to the UK will be ranked by education, language skills and work experience, rather than UK employer demands.
Andy Tighe, BBPA's Policy Director, said, “The pub sector is working hard to attract more UK nationals to work in our industry, which the Tourism Sector Deal helps to achieve.
'However, our members across the UK employ 17% of their workforce from overseas, rising to 40% in metropolitan areas. For chefs and kitchen staff, 80% are from abroad.
“Pubs are facing a serious skills shortage and clearly need access to talent from abroad. It is vital then that any post-Brexit, points-based immigration system recognises this.”