SMALL BUSINESSES BACK SNP CALLS FOR TAILORED IMMIGRATION POLICY FOR SCOTLAND

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has welcomed the news that the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have backed a tailored immigration policy for Scotland.

The FSB are expected to warn the Commons Scottish Affairs Committee tomorrow (Tuesday) that the proposed immigration system by the Tory government will fail to meet the needs of Scotland’s business community, as well as asking the UK government to re-think its damaging immigration proposals in the White Paper. The FSB will also make the case for an immigration policy specific to Scotland.

The intervention by the FSB confirms that Scotland’s immigration needs differ from the UK as a whole and, as such, require a tailored policy that will accommodate the distinct demographic and skill shortage needs of Scottish businesses.

Businesses and employers have warned that Tory plans would make the recruitment of workers at all skill levels significantly more difficult, harming Scotland’s economy and communities.

Commenting, Gavin Newlands MP, said:

“Brexit, the rise in reported incidents of hate crime, and isolationist immigration policy have had a negative impact on Scotland’s economy, on our jobs, and on our businesses.

“The UK Government should listen to the many business groups and organisations who are crying out for Scotland to have power over its own immigration policies.

“Decisions like scrapping the post-study work visa, against the overwhelming support of the Scottish public, is just one of many example of how Westminster immigration policy ignores Scotland’s clear demands and requirements.

“It is now absolutely clear that immigration powers must be fully devolved to the Scottish Government, so that we can build an inclusive immigration policy which meets Scotland’s distinct needs.”