Points-based Immigration System Labour Shortages 2022-06-20
2022-06-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over labour shortages affecting multiple sectors, particularly care workers. A local social care business in St Andrews had to shut down due to staffing issues.
What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the points-based immigration system on labour shortages? There is a severe shortage of care workers around the UK. In St Andrews, a social care business had to shut down recently because of staffing issues. Will asylum seekers be allowed to work while their claims are being processed?
Those whose asylum claim has been outstanding for more than a year can take jobs on the shortage occupations list, which includes care workers since February. However, until recently, 31 out of 32 local authority areas in Scotland refused to be part of the dispersal accommodation system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct commitment to consider allowing asylum seekers to work while their claims are being processed for all shortages.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Two young Russian charity volunteers are stranded in the constituency through no fault of their own. They have an opportunity to work as care workers but cannot do so currently.
If I give the Minister the details, will he kindly take a personal interest in the unusual plight of two young Russian charity volunteers who are now stranded in my constituency? They are not supporters of President Putin and have the opportunity to work as care workers. Will the Government look sympathetically on their situation?
I cannot give comments or pledges from the Dispatch Box, but I am very happy to meet with the right hon. Member and highlight that Russia is not Putin.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address taking a personal interest in the situation of the Russian volunteers.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are labour shortages across multiple sectors including hospitality, healthcare, and transport. The UK has the most persistent post-pandemic drop in employment among G7 countries.
Why will the Minister not act pragmatically and immediately to address labour shortages? There are 1.3 million job vacancies, operations not being carried out in hospitals, restaurants struggling to recruit staff, and a shortage of drivers. Why is there no immediate action on introducing more work visas for sectors with shortages or lifting the ban on asylum seekers working?
The hon. Member might benefit from looking at labour markets across developed countries, including the EU, where shortages in areas like hospitality are not unique to the UK. The calls for resurrecting free movement seem contradictory given the emerging policy of his party.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address introducing more work visas or lifting ban on asylum seekers working.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a severe shortage of care workers around the UK. A social care business in St Andrews had to shut down recently due to staffing issues.
Will the Secretary of State and Minister consider allowing asylum seekers to work while their claims are being processed to mitigate care worker shortages?
Those whose asylum claim has been outstanding for more than a year can take jobs on the shortage occupations list, which includes care workers since February. However, until recently, 31 out of 32 local authority areas in Scotland refused to be part of the dispersal accommodation system.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct commitment to consider allowing asylum seekers to work while their claims are being processed for all shortages.
Response accuracy