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Migrant workers face English test Migrant workers face English test
(1 day later)
All skilled workers from outside the EU will have to learn English before they can enter Britain, the prime minister is expected to confirm.All skilled workers from outside the EU will have to learn English before they can enter Britain, the prime minister is expected to confirm.
Gordon Brown will announce the measure at the TUC conference on Monday.Gordon Brown will announce the measure at the TUC conference on Monday.
The government estimates 35,000 of the 95,000 skilled migrants who entered the UK last year would not have been able to show they could speak the language.The government estimates 35,000 of the 95,000 skilled migrants who entered the UK last year would not have been able to show they could speak the language.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told the Sunday Telegraph that immigrants needed to feel "part of our national culture". The British Chambers of Commerce said it was concerned the measure would put workers off coming to the UK.
She added: "They need to integrate into our country, learn English and use our language". Director general David Frost said: "In recent years, migrant workers to the UK have ensured the continued growth of the economy, possessing a work ethic and skill level that many young British people just do not have.
HAVE YOUR SAY It's a bit rich to impose such a requirement given the UK's abysmal record in learning other languages TC, Ipswich Send us your comments
"Of course language skills are important, but I would be concerned if this meant that those who want to work and help our economy grow are kept out of the country and take their skills and talent elsewhere."
But Home Secretary Jacqui Smith told BBC One's Sunday AM : "One of the ways in which I think we can make sure that people integrate more quickly... is by expecting people who are coming here through the skilled - and slightly less-skilled route - to actually be able to speak English."
Permanent residencyPermanent residency
Exemptions will include international footballers signed by Premiership clubs.Exemptions will include international footballers signed by Premiership clubs.
At present, only workers in the "highly skilled" category need to demonstrate that they can speak English before they are given permission to work in the UK.At present, only workers in the "highly skilled" category need to demonstrate that they can speak English before they are given permission to work in the UK.
The test will now apply to the "skilled" category - and ministers have said they are looking to extend the requirement to low-skilled workers, who do not have the right to apply for permanent residency.The test will now apply to the "skilled" category - and ministers have said they are looking to extend the requirement to low-skilled workers, who do not have the right to apply for permanent residency.
This will be a relatively minor measure unless it leads to a cut in the numbers of people coming here Damian Green, Conservatives Jobless 'must learn English' Migrants: English challenge
Skilled workers will now be expected to understand English to a standard equal to GCSE grade A to C, it is understood.Skilled workers will now be expected to understand English to a standard equal to GCSE grade A to C, it is understood.
But Conservative immigration spokesman Damian Green said: "This will be a relatively minor measure unless it leads to a cut in the numbers of people coming here.
"The Conservatives would impose a specific annual limit which would be significantly lower than current levels of immigration."
Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, said many immigrant workers suffered disadvantages from not speaking English.
They needed help to learn their rights and to protect them from "unscrupulous" employers, he added.