Commenting on the government’s policy proposals for a points-based immigration system, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“The speed and scale of these changes will require significant adjustment by businesses.

“Companies are already investing heavily in home-grown talent across the UK, but critical labour shortages mean firms will still need access to overseas workers at all skill levels.

“The new points system must be able to respond quickly to changing market needs, and the application process must be radically simplified.”