A migration gap could hit the UK’s ability to recruit the necessary IT talent, according specialist IT recruitment firm IntaPeople.

The Home Office is to impose an interim limit of 24,100 work visas awarded to non-European Union migrants between now and next April. But Theresa May has agreed to hold a 12-week consultation to discuss the issue before the announcement of any permanent measures. (cont…)

Phil Handley, operations director at IntaPeople, says: “There is a concern that a cap like this could prevent exceptionally skilled migrants from outside the EU entering the country. With current unemployment figures so high, it may seem sensible looking for candidates closer to home, but it is not as straightforward as this.

“We have handled a number of key IT positions that would not have been filled had it not been for the experience and knowledge of some of these workers. We therefore welcome the decision to hold a consultation on the matter, and hope that the government can devise a more localised approach, so that areas suffering from skills shortages can still recruit the talent they need.”