FSB and SCC issue joint statement on immigration White Paper

Ahead of this yesterday’s Ministerial Statement in the Scottish Parliament on the implications of the UK Government’s White Paper on immigration, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Scotland and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) have issued a joint statement, calling for a system which meets the needs of Scottish business.

Liz Cameron OBE, SCC’s chief executive, and Andrew McRae, FSB’s Scotland policy chair, said: “Scotland’s elected members are right to raise concerns about the UK Government’s immigration proposals. As the representative voices for tens of thousands of Scottish businesses, we must do the same.

“As they stand, the mooted changes will make it hugely difficult for most Scottish firms to access any non-UK talent or labour. Further, the demographic implications associated with the UK Government’s blueprint will see comparatively fewer working age people in Scotland, which will put pressure on many local communities and the country’s tax base.

“The Secretary of State for Scotland has promised to listen to Scottish firms about these proposals and develop a future immigration system which addresses the specific economic and demographic needs in Scotland. But tinkering is not the answer when a fundamental rethink is required. We need to see a quick change of approach before we’re left with an unworkable system which impairs firms’ growth potential and threatens the Scottish economy.”