UK Immigration News

Ireland has had an influx of some 160,000 overseas immigrants over the past 21 months. The majority of these migrants have sought and received Personal Public Service numbers, and are making a visible contribution to the economy.

Ireland immigration is the most part Eastern European, and they are working as unskilled labour. Studies have shown that domestic work labour is moving out of sectors such as hospitality and construction in order to make way for foreign workers.

The Irish government and trade unions have become involved in the plight of foreign nannies and domestic staff in Irish households regarding national pay increases and working conditions.

New rules on working hours, holidays and privacy for immigrant domestic staff are being demanded by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Figures published in several newspapers over the weekend suggest that up to 25,000 jobs in the UK's National Health System could be lost to further job cuts by the UK government, reported the Times newspaper. Mounting debts to the service is the reason behind the government's decision to cut back on medical staff.

The reason for the possible axing of so many health workers is the British government's failure of addressing important NHS issues in the budget and the rising debt of the health system, said the Torries health spokesman Andrew Lansley.

UK businesses are increasing their reliance on immigrant human resources in the labour force. Studies by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development reported that 85% of employers had experienced difficulties recruiting staff. Of those with staff shortages, 38% of these employers turned to migrants to fill these vacancies.

The UK Trade Secretary, Patricia Hewitt launched her five year plan for British business today, and she explained that under her plans, the UK hopes to lure highly skilled and qualified foreigners to boost domestic academic and entrepreneurial expertise.

Hewitt warned that Britain needs to attract more foreign talent in order to remain competitive with the rising economies of China and India.

The global economic map is being redrawn, she said.

The UK Home Office wants all permanent residence (ILR) application forms to be submitted by March 31. The Office announced important changes in Immigration Rules, earlier this month.

The changes will affect people applying for leave to remain, and indefinite leave to remain (or settlement). Only a few days remain before the new immigration ruling starts. The changes will take effect from Saturday, April 3 this year.