SLTA representatives joined other members of the tourism and hospitality sectors at an industry round table meeting in Inverness at which Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, discussed the Scottish Government’s “ongoing work to influence UK Government policy on immigration”.
The meeting, at the Kingsmills Hotel in December, provided attendees with an opportunity to give feedback on a wide range of immigration issues. Mr Macpherson also welcomed direct contact from anyone wishing to further discuss immigration matters.
Key themes captured during the meeting included:
- Disappointment that the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report disregarded the needs of the tourism and hospitality sector.
- Labour mobility and supply is the most pressing issue as is the impact of the supply chain to the industry. Particular concern around seasonal workers.
- Concern about native Scots’ negative perception of the tourism and hospitality sector. More effort to shift that attitude and promote the sector as a viable career path is required.
- In addressing workforce supply issues in the long term a multifaceted approach is required: need to upskill staff, provide affordable housing and accommodation, and pay the Living Wage.
- Tourism has improved overall in Scotland but this is not spread evenly – devolution of some powers on immigration could be particularly beneficial for the Highlands.
Help and advice is available in the UK Government’s employer toolkit which is designed to equip employers with the right tools and information to support EU citizens and their families to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme – click here to find out more.
More useful information is available in “Status of EU citizens in the UK: what you need to know” – click here to find out more