Economic success for the UK will depend heavily on the ability of businesses to fill vacancies efficiently. Therefore, an increase in immigration is likely to support economic growth on the basis that current forecasts are realistic. As we begin to enter a period of more sustainable growth, organisations will come under increased pressure to move quickly to cope with demand, and it is important that a suitable pool of skills and abilities is available.
Businesses normally set out to fill vacancies with candidates, whether British or migrants, who possess the most appropriate skills and experience, and display the most positive attitude towards the organisation. At Produce World Group, more than half our permanent workforce are migrants and, as a result, we would not be able to operate our business if migrant workers were not part of the overall UK workforce.
We do set minimum standards in English language skills when we bring new people into the organisation because it is important that colleagues are able to integrate speedily and confidently follow our business processes. We also provide further language training to enable people to contribute at the highest possible level and grow their careers.
Produce World operates in a low-margin, high-volume sector, and similar businesses need an available pool of local people from which to recruit. Provided that organisations such as ours implement high and consistent standards in their recruitment processes, combined with a minimum standard of English-language skills, we will be able to operate effectively with high proportions of migrant workers.
The suggested policy of restricting state financial support for migrants from Bulgaria and Romania should create a degree of balance in the number entering the UK. It is important to ensure those coming here are able to sustain themselves through long-term employment.
