The UK government has promised to spend billions on new infrastructure, bringing substantial opportunities for the construction sector. To fulfil this demand, companies need workers from abroad. Just days before the UK left the EU, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) issued its report on 28 January with recommendations on the future UK immigration system. With the transition period ending in less than a year on 31 December, the countdown clock is on to stay ahead of the changes for those who employ foreign workers.

The new immigration landscape

The MAC has proposed that EU nationals will need a job offer and sponsorship in the same way as non-EU nationals currently do. They have recommended that the skill level is lowered to roles skilled at A-level standard, with some roles previously considered lower than A-level standard to be bumped up in skill level. For example, construction and building trade supervisors, carpenters and joiners would meet the necessary skill level. 

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