Flexible immigration policy call
Britain’s equality watchdog is expected to suggest that immigration policy should be adjusted to help Scotland acquire the skills it needs.
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will tell a St Andrews conference that immigration should be handled flexibly.
He believes Scotland’s biological and pharmaceutical industry has specific demands for skilled workers.
His views have been given a cautious welcome by the Scottish Government.
Trevor Phillips is expected to tell delegates Scotland needs additional help to attract skilled migrants to develop its economy.
Under Home Office rules introduced last month, people wishing to work in the UK must satisfy various criteria before they are allowed in.
Points are allocated to different employment sectors but the Home Office view is for the UK as a whole.
Mr Phillips believes flexibility could be delivered through a work permit system which would allow suitable migrant workers to work only in Scotland.
The Scottish Government said its existing Fresh Talent initiative is aimed at attracting suitably skilled workers.
Original source : BBC News Scotland
