“If employers wish to hire workers from abroad, they should also invest in the existing skills of British workers.”
Context
The statement of Prime Minister Keir starmer follows the local elections gains made by Reform UK led by Nigel Farage. These results have sparked a national debate on immigration and workforce policies.
Reform UK ran a platform of hardline antimigration, calling for dramatic reductions in legal immigration. Starmer’s comment, made today at the launch of the new immigration whitepaper by the government, seems to be a direct response to this narrative. It offers a more moderate alternative, while also acknowledging the public’s concerns.
The whitepaper proposes stricter migration controls, along with stronger expectations from employers to invest in upskilling. The white paper aims to reset the balance of attracting overseas talent while building up workforce resilience in the UK.
The word “meaning” is used to describe the meaning of the phrase
Starmer’s quote conveys a dual message:
- Immigration can support the UK’s economy but only if employers invest more in developing local talent.
- Businesses should not use foreign recruitment to cut corners. They must invest in the training of British workers if they want to be sustainable for a long time.
Starmer’s Government urges companies to consider migration and skills-development as interconnected strategies, rather than rejecting all international talent.
The Implications
The comment, and the wider policy context, present HR leaders with both a challenge as well as an opportunity.
- Talent Strategy: Employers will need to adjust to the tighter restrictions placed on hiring foreign workers, which may require a greater focus on pipelines in-house and on training programs.
- Upskilling commitments: HR teams are under pressure to show that they have made a significant investment in training and development. This is a key business function.
- Public Messaging: Employer Brands that support British workforce development visibly may gain reputational advantages amid increased political scrutiny on migration.
Starmer’s position tries to reframe this debate as it intensifies in the wake of Reform UK’s rise. It is not a matter of choosing between immigration and domestic employment, but rather a question about balance, responsibility, and long-term planning.
