Future immigration policy '˜must work for NI economy'

The business group’s NI policy chair said Commenting FSB NI Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie said: “Migrant workers make a valuable contribution to our economy and society.

“It’s crucial that future immigration policy recognises this, enabling our firms to access the labour they need to grow their businesses.”

With wages in the province lower than elsewhere in the UK, she said it was vital that any future salary threshold for hiring migrant workers reflected that and not become a barrier to recruiting staff.

“FSB has been engaging with local parties and the UK Government on this issue and will continue to do so in the weeks and months ahead,” she said.

“We must consider the effect of any new costs to business either through additional red tape, or any new immigration surcharge for hiring workers.

“If immigration policy is not managed correctly, it could end up being very costly for small businesses and consequently for the wider economy.”