Jamie Stone highlights contribution made by overseas workers

NORTH MSP Jamie Stone has highlighted the contribution made to the UK economy by overseas workers – and questioned how the Government can differentiate between "low" and "high" skilled employees.

He was speaking after Home Secretary Priti Patel launched a new points-based immigration system, with ministers keen to move away from cheap labour from other countries and instead target the "brightest and the best" from around the world.

Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: “The Government seems to have an obsession about overseas workers, many of whom do contribute to our economy.

“The Highlands has always been a welcoming place. Our tourism and fishing industries have been especially grateful to those from overseas who have made a vital contribution to our economy.

"In my view, working on our rough seas is a highly skilled job – but that’s not what Priti Patel thinks. How the Government differentiates between ‘low’ and ‘high’ skilled workers is something I will want to grill them on when I return to parliament next week.”

The new system will award points for specific skills, professions, salaries or qualifications, and visas will be awarded to those who gain enough points. The Government says the system – due to come into force in January 2021 – will provide "simple, effective and flexible arrangements for skilled workers to come to the UK".

European Union and non-EU citizens will be treated equally, giving top priority to "those with the highest skills and the greatest talents".

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the system will be "devastating" as it will be much harder to attract workers.

There are concerns at the impact on businesses in Highlands and Islands in sectors such as hospitality, tourism and food processing.

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