The increased use of a points system to allow highly-qualified candidates to work in the UK is expected to benefit employment agencies.

Nicola Rogers, barrister at law firm Two Garden Court Chambers, told the CIPD’s recruitment and retention conference that the government is likely to use the points system more.

The system gives points according to qualifications and experience, and workers accruing enough points are free to work in the UK.

Most foreign nationals have work permits held by employers – so they must leave the UK if the employment ends. But a broader use of the points system would let more talented workers stay indefinitely, allowing agencies to sign them up, said Rogers.

She added: “Currently only PhD-level people or board directors qualify – but I expect the government will lower the bar.”