A backlog of visa applications at the Home Office has left businesses trying to recruit foreign workers facing three-month delays.

Tighter checks on applications from foreign workers have led to the increased bureaucracy.

The process for the Indefinite Leave to Remain programme now requires both the employee and employer to gain approval before the employee can start work.

Some firms have now opted to hire workers directly from abroad because British embassies are more efficient at processing passports.

The government’s Highly Skilled Migrant programme is also behind schedule, according to reports in the Financial Times.