Fife Council supports flexible immigration policy for workers

It was sparked by a motion from Councillor John Beare (SNP).

He said: “I’m not hung up on precise details, but need to make sure it’s tailored to work in all parts. One size doesn’t fit all.

“The UK government could implement a shortage worker visa. We need all four governments to work positively towards these proposals. We need an immigration policy that works for Scotland and Fife.”

An amendment put forward by the Conservative party’s Toni Miklinski, branded the bid “pointless and impractical” stating: “It can’t work in the UK.

“This is a difficult and complex subject that needs to be thought through. There is a very specific requirement for seasonal workers. Fortunately for Scotland, the conservatives have been constructively engaged with Westminster. It is likely to see a visa scheme soon unveiled.”

Labour and Liberal Democrats also proposed a motion, which supported seeking a flexible visa system, but not one that would involved splitting up the UK.

After a short recess, a conjoined motion from the SNP, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties was agreed.

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It noted: “Fife Council agrees that alternative approaches within the UK should be sought that would ideally enable Scotland to retain its place within the single market and, in any case, allow Scotland to retain as close a relationship to Europe as possible while ensuring open access to its largest market – the rest of the UK to protect Scotland and Fife’s moral and commercial interests.

“The Council also notes the benefits of immigration to Fife and the wider UK and in particular the value of workers from beyond our shores to business, public services and culture. It is estimated that migrants contribute between £10,000 to £34,000 to our GDP.”

Cllr Beare added: “We will be aware that from hospitality to social care, agriculture to scientific research, many key industries across Fife and Scotland must have access to vital workers we desperately need.

“Fife Council supports a tailored migration system that works specifically for Fife, Scotland and the other nations and regions of the UK recognising that there will in some cases be sectoral and or geographic approaches required.”

He requested that the council write to the UK government and Scottish parliament to express support to meet the needs of Fife.