News analysis

Britain may face labour shortage if it tightens immigration controls

New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

The British government is facing backlash from business leaders, after announcing its determination to tighten immigration controls by virtually eliminating the ability of unskilled or low-skilled workers to come to the United Kingdom.

In unveiling the biggest shake-up of border control policies in half a century, Home Secretary Priti Patel claimed that Britain will introduce a points-based immigration system which "will attract the brightest and the best from around the globe".

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 21, 2020, with the headline Britain may face labour shortage if it tightens immigration controls. Subscribe