GILRUTH WRITES TO LOCAL BUSINESSES OVER “DISASTROUS” TORY IMMIGRATION PLANS

Published date : 04 Mar 2020

Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has written to local business owners to relay concerns regarding the UK Tory Government’s controversial immigration proposals.

Unveiled last week, Boris Johnson’s plan to block most European workers from entering the UK has come under fire from employers and industry leaders.

According to a new report, one in five small businesses in Scotland could close, or radically change their business model, due to difficulties in recruiting EU workers.

The report published by the Federation of Small Businesses, also found that 40% of small businesses in Scotland employ at least one EU worker, compared to the UK average of 26%.

Analysis by the Scottish Government shows that the Tories’ proposals to cut migration to the tens of thousands would cost the Scottish economy up to £10 billion per year by 2040.

Now, the MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes has renewed calls for immigration powers to be handed to Holyrood – with the SNP’s proposals for a ‘Scottish Visa’ gaining the backing of a wide range of expert organisations.

Commenting, Ms Gilruth said:

“Local businesses and industries here in Mid Fife and Glenrothes are rightly concerned by these disastrous proposals.

“All of Scotland’s population growth over the next 25 years is projected to come from migration – I have no doubt that Boris Johnson’s plans will cause long-term damage to our local economy in Fife.

“Migrants not only contribute to our economy by bringing new skills to the area, but strengthen our society and enrich our communities.

“This is the reality of the Tories’ Brexit Britain. It’s now absolutely vital that the political parties and industry leaders come together to back the SNP’s plans for a tailored migration system which works for Scotland.

“That’s why I’m calling on local firms with any uncertainties about the future of their workforce to get in touch with their concerns.”

ENDS

Local Reporters