Trade organisation calls for coach and bus drivers to be on a shortage occupation list
Proposed changes to immigration policy risk creating a further staff shortage in the coach and bus industry, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) has warned.
CPT was responding to the Migration Advisory Committee’s call for evidence on options for a new immigration system should the UK leave the EU.
Proposed changes include requiring non-UK nationals, including those from EU member states, to show that the job they are coming to in the UK pays above £30,000 per annum.
Policy Manager Alison Edwards says that future immigration policy should focus on skills that are in demand, rather than “arbitrary criteria.”
CPT is calling for the removal of a minimum salary threshold above the legal requirement for migrant workers. It also wants coach and bus drivers to be listed on a shortage occupation list, which would then be a key characteristic in a points-based system alongside the ability to read and speak English.
Ms Edwards adds that placing coach and bus drivers on a shortage occupation list would help to maintain services. Many operators have found that labour needs cannot be met solely from within the UK population.
If coach and bus drivers were added to such a list, applicants with the required skills would be given a higher weighting.
Based on a 40-hour week and not including any bonuses, to satisfy the £30,000 threshold a driver would need to earn an average of £14.42 per hour. On a 35-hour working week that figure increases to £16.48.
