The number of jobs available to foreign workers through the shortage occupation route will be reduced, the Government announced today with the number going down from one million to just under 800,000.

Almost a third of small firms are concerned that the UK economic crisis may result in a lack of available labour as foreign workers opt to return to their homelands, according to think tank the Tenon Forum.

The UK Government today announced the go-live date for Tiers 2 and 5 of the new points based system (PBS). These tiers, which cover skilled and temporary workers, will come into effect on 27 November – sweeping aside around 30 previous schemes, including the old work permit system.

Important information for work permit holders and other people who have leave to enter or remain in one of the immigration categories being abolished when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced.

A petition signed by more than 4,000 people has been handed in calling for the work rights of Romanians in the UK to be brought in line with other Eastern European immigrants. Romanians are not currently allowed to work freely in Britain, but are restricted to certain types of work, such as fruit picking.

Two prominent Rhyl businessmen spoke of their bitterness after they say their businesses were ruined by false immigration allegations.

Foreign doctors have been forced to abandon their training as consultants in the Scottish NHS following new immigration rules imposed by the Home Office.