House of Commons · Westminster Hall
06 June 2023 · 2 other contributors · 3,864 words
Opened by Kenny MacAskill Alba East Lothian
Responding minister: Chris Philp
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Kenny MacAskill raised concerns about immigration rules: offshore workers in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP asks the government to ensure that UK immigration rules secure the protection of UK workers by basing this on specific need where skills shortages have been identified, ensuring these regulations are temporary and subject to regular oversight. He also requests that employers adhere to UK employment laws and national minimum wage requirements.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the exploitation of UK workers by unscrupulous employers who import low-paid migrant labour for offshore wind projects, undermining UK employment laws. He cites examples such as the Neart na Gaoithe project and the P&O scandal where foreign labour was used instead of local workers. There are also concerns about the extension of offshore worker exemptions and the lack of guidance on immigration rules within the exclusive economic zone.
Asked if the mover of the motion and the Minister are happy for him to make a short speech.
Mr. Turner highlighted the scandal of P&O Ferries sacking 800 British seafarers, noting that the Seafarers' Wages Act 2023 failed to address this issue adequately. He called for Government investment in retraining offshore workers and sectoral collective bargaining to prevent pay undercutting by foreign workers.
Government Response
Chris PhilpIt is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship. The Minister for Immigration, my right hon. Friend the Member for Newark, cannot be here today but will read the debate afterwards. Regarding renewable energy progress, since 2012, coal-fired power stations have dropped from 43% of electricity generation to just 1.5%, with 48.5% coming from zero-carbon sources last year and wind energy generating 32% in Q1 2023. The immigration rules for offshore workers are now the same as those on land, thanks to section 43 of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, ensuring foreign nationals need a visa to work in territorial waters or on land. Previously, there were exemptions for offshore wind farm workers which have been discontinued recently. Skilled worker visas require meeting salary thresholds, English language requirements, and skill level standards advised by the Migration Advisory Committee. The Government aims to prioritise UK residents for jobs over immigration. For territorial waters, rules provide some latitude but not without limitations to prevent misuse; the Minister is willing to engage in dialogue if necessary. In the exclusive economic zone, international law limits our ability to impose economic or labour market regulation due to economic rights conferred on the sea area outside territorial waters. Sectoral collective bargaining falls under another Department's policy ambit, and the Government prefers individual employers offering attractive terms to their employees. The hon. Member for East Lothian's representations on ending the offshore wind farm worker exemption have been acted upon.