More bricklayers, roofers & construction workers get green light to come to UK

MORE bricklayers, roofers and carpenters will get the green light to come to Britain from today.

A string of jobs have been added to the shortage occupation list – easing visa restrictions for people who want to come here and work.

It comes despite migration levels hitting a record 606,000 just weeks ago.

Ministers say they have no choice but to open the door to more migration to try and fill gaps in our own labour market.

But critics said it was vital we must start properly training our own workforce and stop relying on overseas labour to fill jobs.

The construction roles that have been added from today are:

• Bricklayers and masons
• Roofers, roof tilers and slaters
• Carpenters and joiners
• Plasterers
• Construction and building trades not elsewhere classified

When it was announced earlier this year, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt was forced to deny it was a betrayal of Brexit.

He insisted: “people who voted for Brexit didn’t vote for no immigration”.

Ministers look at the list every six months to see if they need to update it and make it easier for more people to get visas, or tighten up the system.

Another review is expected by autumn.

Suzannah Nichol MBE, Build UK Chief Executive, said: “It is vital that construction is able to fill vacancies and quickly address shortages around particular roles, so we welcome the news that five occupations will be added to the Shortage Occupations List which will help the industry continue to deliver the schools, homes, hospitals and infrastructure that we need.”