Only 10% of PR companies understand the new immigration rules

London, 9 September 2008 - The latest PRCA PR Leaders' Panel highlighted the Governments' failure to communicate the forthcoming changes to legislation on employing immigrants. 50% of respondents employ immigrants from outside the EU and Switzerland and of these only 20% believed they understood their responsibilities under the new system.

Francis Ingham, PRCA Director General said “While the panel has mixed feelings about how significant this legislation will be for the UK PR industry, the fact that 40% of those employing immigrants were unaware of the changes altogether is appalling. After the Government failed to consult properly on TUPE, you would expect them to learn from their mistakes.”

Ros Kindersley, managing director of JFL Search & Selection said “One of the strengths of the UK PR industry is its diversity. Many agencies and in-house teams boast talent sourced from around the world, so it is crucial that employers understand the new Points Based System and their responsibilities under it. In many ways, the PBS will simplify the process for sponsoring the employment of people from outside the EU. However, this survey indicates that a significant number of employers still do not understand the process involved in qualifying as a sponsor."

- ENDS -

RESPONSES

50% of respondents employ immigrants

  • 40% knew nothing about the changes
  • 40% know of the changes but not how they will affect them
  • 20% knew of their responsibilities

50% of respondents don't employ immigrants

  • 50% know nothing about the changes
  • 50% knew of the changes but not how it will affect them

A selection of quotes

“It may limit the availability and flexibility of skills in a tight market for quality people, and it may deter quality people from coming to work in the UK.” Mark Mellor, Firefly

“Yet more paperwork and bureaucracy for business generally, really difficult for smaller companies to keep on top of this. Having said that most foreign workers are EU based.” Avril Lee, Ketchum

“Very little. If anything it will make life easier.” Dirk Singer, Cow PR

“Little - we try to avoid sponsoring people from outside the UK.” Lyle Closs, Axicom

Further information about the legislation can be found here: http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/
JFL have also provided a briefing note about the legislation will affect consultancies: http://www.jflrecruit.com/assets/files/JFL-Visa-Guide-for-employers.pdf

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