According to Bacta CEO John White, adding roles to the UK’s ‘Shortage Occupations List’ would be a vital step in addressing labor shortages caused by Brexit and the impact of Covid-19. Many European workers in the hospitality industry have returned to their home countries and are not coming back to the UK, citing reasons such as the high cost of living, limited employment opportunities, and the bureaucratic process of obtaining work visas.
White emphasizes the need for a more dynamic approach to labor shortages and urges the government to include jobs in the amusements and low-stake gaming sector on the shortage occupations list. This designation would relax visa eligibility rules and help address the labor crisis in these industries.
White recognizes that free movement of people, while beneficial for businesses, was not the outcome of the 2016 Brexit vote and is unlikely to return. The challenge for current and future governments is to find ways to replicate the benefits of free movement while also demonstrating control of the UK’s borders.
In March, White commended certain aspects of the UK government’s spring budget but expressed disappointment with the lack of action in addressing unfairness in the tax regime and reforming the gaming tax structure.
