In December, the UK Government published its proposals for a new skills-based immigration system, which ministers describe as the biggest shake-up in immigration policy in the last forty years. The consultation paper envisaged that the new system would come into effect at the end of the transition period under the Prime Minister’s proposed EU exit deal, which would be January 2021. However, given the uncertainty surrounding that deal and the likelihood of at least a three-month extension of Article 50, it could come into effect at the end of June, if the UK and EU were not able to agree a deal by the end of a short extension.

This half day briefing, which is being held in London on 9th May, is therefore very timely. For the UK’s financial and professional services, industry access to talent from outside the UK has been a vital component of its success. The objective of the briefing is to analyse in depth the implications of the proposed new immigration scheme for the firms in this industry.

We are delighted that Glyn Williams, Director-General Policy & Strategy, Home Office, has kindly agreed to be a keynote speaker. He will be able to outline the strategy behind the new regime and how it will be implemented.

The other speakers are all well recognised experts in their particular field and will provide real insight to the audience, as well as practical guidance as to how they should be preparing.

Key topics that will be covered include:

• The new skills-based immigration system: strategy and implementation
• The advantages and disadvantages of the new system
• Does the expanded and reformed Tier 2 Skilled Workers Scheme meet the specific needs of financial and professional services firms?
• The position of EU nationals in the UK, both now and in terms of those coming post-BREXIT
• Relocating UK staff to financial centres in the EU – practical considerations
• Other aspects of the White Paper proposals - The transitional visa; business visitors and the proposed ETA Scheme; the Youth Mobility Scheme and graduate students
• Recruitment in the post-Brexit environment
• What steps should HR Departments be taking now in order to be prepared for the implementation of the new regime?