Many City employers, including law firms, have come to rely on a readily available turnover of foreign workers. This was particularly the case during the boom years when a shortage of qualified UK lawyers meant many law firms looked to Antipodeans. Although recruitment might have reduced in certain areas due to the impact of the credit crunch and global slowdown, those in charge of recruitment should nonetheless be aware of the effects of the radical immigration changes being phased in this year.
Much of the current immigration system is gradually being replaced by a new five-tier points system. Tier one, for highly-skilled individuals, was rolled out worldwide on 30 June. Among other things, tier one replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). The HSMP proved popular among many foreign-qualified lawyers, enabling them to enter the UK without a firm job offer and then to work in many leading law firms. The new tier one scheme will operate in a similar manner to the HSMP, with points being awarded for earnings, qualifications and age.
