Chamber news: BCC Welcomes MAC Recommendations 

May 15, 2024

The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is one of 54 chambers accredited by the British Chambers across the UK. Through this network, our team helps to facilitate local, national and international connections, support and representation for organisations of all sizes and from all sectors, right here in the mid Yorkshire region. 

Responding to the Migration Advisory Committee recommendations to Government on Graduate Visas, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy, said: 

“This is a set of sensible recommendations from the MAC, which we hope the Government will take on board. 

“While there are signs that recruitment difficulties are easing, businesses tell us that finding the people with the right skills to plug the gaps they have remains a serious issue. 

“Our research shows that only 9% of SMEs are using the immigration system to recruit staff as it remains expensive and complex. 

“However, the Graduate Visa route offers SMEs access to global talent in their local area. This route is part of the solution to the skills shortages problem, but much more remains to be done. 

“Businesses also need support to increase their investment in workplace training if we are to tackle skills shortages for the long-term.  

“We need to see action from politicians to break down the barriers to work for everyone. The number of people outside the workforce because of health issues remains a particular concern and more must be done to address this.” 

MY Chamber is the go-to organisation for business across Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield, if you would like to discuss what this latest release means for your organisation on a local level, please contact our team.

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