Hospitality industry affected by Tier 2 limits

We previously posted a blog on how the interim cap is severely affecting the hospitality industry, in particular restaurants and hotels and the effect we think Tier 2 limits will have on the sector and UK economy as a whole.

Since the introduction of the annual limit on Tier 2 on 6 April 2011, it is clear from the enquiries we are receiving that recruiting non-EEA nationals to fill key skilled positions is proving to be extremely difficult. The biggest problem for restaurants and hotels is removal of Managers in the sector from the UK approved list of skilled jobs. It would seem that the Government is unaware of the difficulty of finding resident workers to fill such a position and has turned a blind eye to business needs. A Thai restaurant for example may require knowledge of Thai cuisine and culture, a need which is no longer considered as vital. 

Recruiting chefs from outside the EEA has also become difficult. An increase in the English language requirement to intermediate level for chefs is a huge hurdle for a number of restaurants. In addition, restaurants that operate a take away service as part of the business (however small this may be) are being told that they cannot secure Tier 2 restricted COS and are considered as ‘standard fare’. This absolutely does not take into account the true nature of a business or skills required to prepare specialist dishes.

Adverse UKBA decisions should be challenged and businesses need to be proactive in doing so; this is the only way that businesses in the sector are going to be able to achieve real change. 

If you are an organisation or non-EEA national affected by the changes to Tier 2, we would be interested to hear about your experiences.