Skilled Migrant Workers Face English Barriers

The prime minister of Britain is expected to soon confirm that all skilled workers from foreign countries must learn English before they can enter Britain and work.

The government estimates that approximately 35,000 of the 95,000 skilled migrants who entered the UK last year would not have been able to prove that they could speak the English language.

Director General David Frost of the British Chambers of Commerce stated that: "In recent years, migrant workers to the UK have ensured the continued growth of the economy, possessing a work ethic and skill level that many young British people just do not have.”Of course language skills are important, but I would be concerned if this meant that those who want to work and help our economy grow are kept out of the country and take their skills and talent elsewhere."

But Home Secretary Jacqui Smith responded: "One of the ways in which I think we can make sure that people integrate more quickly... is by expecting people who are coming here through the skilled - and slightly less-skilled route - to actually be able to speak English."

Currently, only highly-skilled workers are demanded to demonstrate that they can speak English before they are given permission to work in the UK.

The test will now extend the same requirement to low-skilled workers, who do not have the right to apply for permanent residency.

Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, agreed to reveal that many immigrant workers suffered disadvantages from not speaking English.

UK officials simply believe that by learning English, immigrants can better learn and understand their rights and to protect them from untrustworthy employers.

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