Head of policy at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) Christopher Morrow has commented on proposals for a new UK immigration system.

“Policies need to make the UK an optimal locational choice for skilled people but also to ensure that Northern Ireland is placed on an equal footing to take advantage of the top talent available internationally to help develop and grow our economy.

“Unfortunately, with this policy, only some sectors will be able to cope, and others such as hospitality, tourism and healthcare will struggle due to shortages of staff and full employment here.

No route 

“With no route for low-skilled temporary employment and no time for businesses to adapt, the speed and scale of these changes will require significant adjustment by businesses and have implications for a region where access to skills and low productivity are already serious concerns,” he said.

The UK's immigration system has for too long focused on "low skilled workers" coming to the country, the Home Secretary Priti Patel said, as the Government announced plans to overhaul the rules after Brexit.

Patel said the new points-based immigration system will focus on the "brightest and best" coming to the UK.