Joint Round Table – How will the proposed new immigration policies affect the hospitality sector?

The Government’s plans for post-Brexit immigration policy are currently being drawn up. The White Paper was published in December and includes proposals to place tight limits on ‘lower skilled’ immigration. If passed, this is likely to present particular challenges for the hospitality sector, parts of which employ significant numbers of EU migrants. At the same time, employers consistently say they would like to attract more British applicants, and the new post –Brexit immigration policy is likely to make this more urgent.

The NIESR and UK Hospitality round table  will be at NIESR’s office in Westminster. The event is intended for employers and representative organisations in the hospitality sector as well as policy makers from across Whitehall. A series of industry experts will give an overview of the immigration policy proposals and implications for the sector. In the discussion that will follow discussion  participants  be able to consider, and feedback on, what the proposals could mean for their business.

Following the event, NIESR will produce a short paper summarising views and recommendations for the shaping of new immigration policy. To ensure a free and frank discussion no employers or other participants will be identified in the paper.

Please note this event is by invitation only.

Provisional programme

ARRIVAL AND BREAKFAST

9.00-9.15

PART 1: EU IMMIGRATION IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY     

9.15-9.45

• Heather Rolfe, NIESR - Welcome and Introduction
• Kate Nicholls, CEO UK Hospitality - A view from the hospitality sector
• Ian Robinson, Fragomen LLP -  Implications of new policy for businesses and the Home Office

PART 2: ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

9.45-11.00

• What has been the impact of preparations for Brexit on recruitment and retention?
• Which areas of the business and sections of the workforce will be most affected?
• Do the immigration proposals present any new opportunities for the sector?
• What are the opportunities for increasing levels of recruitment from within the UK?
• What alternative policies might work better for the sector?