Talks on foreign workers plan

The Government is looking at ways to ease labour shortages in the hospitality industry by opening the door for more short-stay foreign workers to enter the UK legally.

The Home Office held preliminary talks with employers, trade unions, and the British Hospitality Association (BHA) last week.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Our objective is to manage migration in the UK's interests, helping to resolve recruitment difficulties while tackling illegal working."

Extending the Working Holidaymakers Scheme - under which 40,000 Australians, South Africans and New Zealanders come to Britain for up to two years - to other nationalities is a part of the reforms.

Martin Couchman, deputy chief executive of the BHA, welcomed the proposals, but said recruiting permanent staff was a priority.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 16 - 22 May 2002