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Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the Local Government Association, responds to the Government’s plan for a points-based immigration system.

“Reform of our immigration system provides an opportunity to try and tackle skills gaps and workforce challenges in specific sectors such as construction and social care. 

“Councils know their local communities and local economies best. Involving councils in the development of a new system would mean they can assess demand for skills locally, ensure it takes account of the varied needs of employers and help the Government achieve its ambition to level up all parts of the country. 

“Salary thresholds should be variable across sector and region, to reflect the needs of different employers, alongside a reformed and devolved skills and employment system to tackle the existing national skills shortages.

“As a country we face significant skills challenges. The social care system faces one of the most serious challenges and any reforms need to ensure the social care workforce can be maintained.“

Home Secretary announces new UK points-based immigration system