Leisure job 'ban' for non-EU migrants

UK companies will find it increasingly hard to recruit non-EU immigrants as fitness instructors, sports coaches, spa managers and fast food chefs.

A review of the country's skill shortages by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended changes in the current points system, with a number of leisure-related jobs being affected.

MAC has deducted that many jobs within the leisure sector are "non-skilled" and therefore do not qualify for Tier 2 status - requiring the applicant to have a level 4 qualification or above on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The new classifications are due to come into force on 6 April and are part of the government's strategy of reducing the share of non-European Economic Area (EEA) immigrants of the UK workforce.

The Home Office has already announced that in future, only graduate-level EEA workers will be allowed to apply to come to the UK, while the number of skilled migrants is being capped annually at 21,700.

The MCA review included a consultation with the industry, with British Hospitality Association (BHA) and People 1st taking part. For the full report, click here.