Ed, yes interesting article. Johnson is just proposing temporary work permits for seasonal work rather that the opportunity of permanent immigration. Somewhat different to the "Windrush" relocation of people who already had British citizen rights (which some in government seem to forget) or the EU freedom of movement. This definitely does appear just a mechanism to obtain cheap labour rather than build up the high tech science and technology industries using global expertise that Johnson has spoken about previously. Looks like a typical Johnson off the cuff quick fix for a problem that Brexit has created? Staff shortages in the NHS won't be so easy to correct as permanent skilled staff are needed and as well as reasonable salaries they don't want to migrate into a hostile environment which Ms Patel seems to be creating? It may be possible to attract some poorer people to carry out seasonal agricultural work with the promise of marginally better wages for temporary periods but high tech workers, including doctors and other skilled NHS workers, will also want a good quality of life and stability, including residency, for their families to attract them to the UK.
Michael Ixer ● 2552d