Scots view sought on migrant jobs

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Scottish businesses are being asked to highlight unemployment and labour shortages to help determine jobs that should be open to non-EU immigrants.

The UK Migration Advisory Committee is in Scotland as part of its review of "shortage occupations" in response to the recession.

Chairman David Metcalf said its work would take into account Scotland's different demographics and economy.

The Scottish Government has been more open to immigration than Westminster.

Mr Metcalf told the BBC Scotland news website: "Scotland has its own particular issues - with population changes being different to the UK as a whole, and with the Scottish Parliament more keen on immigration.

Our reports can be used to determine longer-term training needs within the UK David MetcalfMigration Advisory Committee

"So we are keen to speak to key stakeholders to see whether Scotland has got any specific issues."

The UK shortage occupation lists apply to Scotland. However, occupations can also be added to a Scotland-only list.

Currently, the only occupation on Scotland's list is fish filleter. The highly-skilled job is usually filled by Chinese workers.

The committee published its first review of the lists in April to reflect the impact of the recession on the UK.

Changes included removing quantity surveyors and construction managers from the UK list.

Training needs

Mr Metcalf said: "It's normal in a recession for the outflow of immigrants to increase and inflow to fall.

"This can mean British people are then in a position to get more jobs, or alternatively it can cause labour shortages.

"This is why it is so important we speak to key stakeholders to gain a clearer picture."

Mr Metcalf said the shortage occupation lists could also help to improve the skills of the UK workforce.

"There is, of course, always a case for some immigration since people can't be trained overnight," he said.

"However, our reports can be used to determine longer-term training needs within the UK."

The committee is meeting representatives from Scottish Enterprise, businesses and unions in Edinburgh.

It is due to report to UK ministers again in September.