On 19 February 2020 the Government confirmed its plan to introduce an ‘Australian-style’ points system in a complete overhaul of the immigration system which will end the EU freedom of movement from 31 December 2020. A ten-page briefing document has been issued which outlines the new policy and states:

• UK borders will be closed to non-skilled workers and it will be a requirement that immigrants speak English
• Anyone wanting to come to the UK to work must have a job offer with a salary threshold of £25,600, although a salary floor of £20,480 may be acceptable in areas where there is a skill shortage, such as nursing
• Self-employed trades people will be prevented from entry which is likely to end the availability of construction workers from Eastern Europe arriving without a job to go to
• UK Border Control will not accept ID cards issued by European neighbours to prevent non-EU workers using forged or stolen ID cards
• The skills threshold for foreign nationals wanting to work in UK will be lowered from degree level to A-level or its equivalent
• The cap on the number of skilled workers will be scrapped and a number, likely to be restricted, of highly skilled workers will be allowed entry without a job
• The right of artists, entertainers, sportsmen and women and musicians to enter UK for performances, competitions, and auditions will remain

The Government will launch a widespread campaign to prepare employers for the changes in January 2020 when EU citizens will be treated the same as other nationals.

Early concerns have been expressed in anticipation the changes will have a serious impact on food production and processing industries and on the hotel and catering and care sectors.