Commenting on the Government’s publication of further details on the UK points-based immigration system, British Beer & Pub Association CEO, Emma McClarkin said:
“Today’s announcement on the new points-based immigration system provides important clarity but will present significant challenges for our sector. Given the extraordinary toll taken on pubs and brewers over the last four months, they will find it incredibly challenging to absorb the costs and complexities of becoming a sponsoring employer in order to take on staff from outside the UK”
“With pubs having been closed for four months and now facing a very long road to recovery it is vital that the Government continue to support the sector in minimising additional costs and administrative burdens. Many pubs and brewers will struggle to cope with such fundamental changes coming into effect in just a matter of months.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The beer and pub sector in the UK employs a total of 900,000 people – 600,000 of which are directly employed in pubs.
The British Beer & Pub Association is the leading body representing Britain’s brewers and pub companies. The Association is more than a century old and was originally founded as the Brewers’ Society in 1904. Our members account for some 90 per cent of beer brewed in Britain today, and own around 20,000 of the nation’s pubs.
For further information, please contact:
David Wilson, Public Affairs Director, BBPA: 07557 405815
Nick Lawrie, Digital Communications Manager, BBPA: 07824 359 013