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Migrants ‘vital to Yorks firms’
ALMOST one third of Yorkshire businesses depend on migrant workers, according to new research.
The research published this week shows that despite the government’s calls to reduce the use of migrant workers, a significant proportion of firms in the region rely on them to plug the skills gaps in their workforce.
The research was independently commissioned and published by financial services group, Close Invoice Finance, and found that of the 28 per cent of employers who hire migrant workers, 43 per cent hire them because they are best placed to do the job.
It reflects the findings of a recent poll of firms which revealed that a growing number of British students are graduating without adequate or basic skills to join the workforce leading competitive businesses to fill the gaps in their workforce with foreign workers.
Ian Steward, local head of Close Invoice Finance said: “Our survey shows that in contrast to the comments made by the current government, migrant workers play, and will continue to play, a vital role in the UK economy. British companies need to attract the brightest and best talent in order to compete in the globalised economy and as our findings show, it isn’t about where the person comes from, it’s whether or not they have the skills to do the job.
“In the current economic climate businesses are struggling on many levels, not least in terms of cash flow and migrant workers offer many sectors a level of workforce flexibility to enable them to survive. At this crucial time any attempts by government to cap the numbers of workers available could add even more challenges to business.”
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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