The Government must re-think its approach on immigration after Brexit

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has warned the Government that its plans to reduce immigration after Brexit will have “devastating consequences” for London and urges it to re-consider its plans to impose a £30,000 salary threshold on EU citizens coming into the UK after Brexit.

Speaking to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khan said that City Hall analysis has found that sectors including construction will be hit hardest by new restrictions on low-skilled immigration.

Khan has written to Home Secretary Priti Patel, recommending the Government reduce the salary threshold to £21,000, the equivalent of the London Living Wage and give City Hall powers to fast-track visas.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) welcomes the mayor of London’s support but any threshold would create an additional barrier to building new homes and make life harder for SMEs and regional contractors, particularly at a time when the construction industry continues to face significant shortages of skilled workers.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB said: “We have always stated that the £30,000 salary threshold could cripple construction, so we welcome the mayor of London’s support.

“A more practical solution could be to set the EU worker’s salary to the salary of a settled worker in the region he or she will work. This would provide the flexibility London and our regions need to attract workers with a fair rate of pay.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

UK House Price Index for January 2025

The latest index shows that: The average monthly rate of house price growth in January was -0.3%. Average UK house price annual inflation was 1.3% in the 12 months to January 2025. As a result, the average UK house price currently sits at £268,000.   Here are some thoughts from the Industry.   Damien Jefferies,…
Read More
Breaking News

Exchange time reaches 135 days

Property transactions slow as exchange time reaches 135 days — up 45% on 2019 The time it takes to exchange contracts has risen to 135 days — 45% longer than in 2019 and 3% higher than last year — despite a drop in property transactions year-on-year, it emerged today. Novus Strategy, the transformation consultancy for…
Read More
Breaking News

Industry response to latest inflation figures and its impact on housing

Industry response to UK inflation remaining at 3%. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Although inflation has remained steady since last month, it is important to acknowledge geopolitical tensions moving forward, and the effect such pressures may have on many households over the coming months. “Today’s news should help bring a measured sense of consistency…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – February 2026

Seasonal recovery as improved supply and demand indicates a return of market momentum   Lettings market is showing signs of seasonal recovery as we see market activity picking up, with February performance indicating that momentum is returning following a usually quieter winter period. Renter budgets remained broadly stable, averaging £540 per week year to date…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

The best time to list a rental property in London revealed

Lettings experts at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward reveal the best time to list a rental property in London to get twice as many enquiries Spring is a natural reset for our homes with a light refresh going a long way to help us feel rejuvenated. A quick coat of paint where walls look tired, fresh…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove expert reacts to ONS figures

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said:  “Today’s ONS figures reflect the seasonal uplift we typically see at the start of the year, which mirrors what we’ve already observed in our own January and February data. With the number of homes for sale now at its highest level in over a decade, buyers are benefiting…
Read More