London, Nov 11 (IANS) The number of jobs available for skilled migrant workers in Britain has come down by 200,000, the government announced Tuesday.
The announcement comes amid news of growing joblessness in Britain and a call by a group of MPs to curtail the number of migrants coming to Britain during the financial crisis.
Announcing a new and tighter 'shortage occupation list' - those occupations where there is a shortage of British and European skilled workers - the government said it has been able to fill many previous gaps in the labour market with British workers.
'As a result, today's list is tighter than ever before and will see a reduction of more than 200,000 positions in occupations with shortages that need be filled by migrant workers,' the home ministry said in a statement.
'The number of positions available to migrants has been reduced from one million to just under 800,000, ensuring that only those foreign workers we need - and no more - can come here.'
The changes are part of a new Points Based System of immigration due to be introduced Nov 27, under which prospective migrants will be tested and awarded points for their professional skills, English-language abilities, experience, salary levels and finances.
The shortage occupation list, drawn up by Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), can be found on the website, http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/
However, the government said it has asked the MAC to review the evidence in relation to five occupations: social workers, skilled chefs, senior care workers, qualified town planners and teachers.
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