September 2008
Immigration Controls Tightened
Bad news for sheep-shearing contractors. The work permit system has been massively overhauled this year in response to political pressure to tighten up on immigrants coming into the UK from outside Europe.
A vast range of changes have been introduced in the new points-based system which requires applicants to meet a minimum number of points to enter the UK, including requirements such as fingerprinting and English testing. For those critical of the numbers of entrants coming to the UK, this may come as good news. However, for the NAAC’s sheep shearing members relying heavily on shearers coming from Australia and New Zealand, this comes as a devastating blow. Needless to say, as the system has changed, the costs have gone up accordingly!
Shearers on Skills Shortage List of Exemptions
After years of trying, the NAAC has managed to get shearers listed on the ‘skills shortage’ listing. It means that some of the application procedures can be by-passed.