LABOUR’S IMMIGRATION WHITE PAPER: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE SECTOR

Harshinder Hundal
May 16
2 min read

three construction workers in hi vis discussing behind a construction site

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a comprehensive Immigration White Paper aimed at reducing net migration to 300,000 by 2029. Key measures include:

Raising skilled worker requirements to degree-level qualifications.
Extending the settlement period from 5 to 10 years.
Restricting visas for social care workers and tightening student visa regulations.

While these reforms aim to address public concerns over immigration, they may have significant ramifications for sectors reliant on foreign labour, such as construction and social care. The commercial real estate industry, in particular, could face challenges due to potential labour shortages impacting development timelines and costs.

As the government seeks to balance immigration control with economic growth, stakeholders in the commercial real estate sector should stay informed and proactive in addressing these upcoming changes.

It is key to note that the White Paper is not yet legislation and will take many months to go through the various stages of scrutiny until it is implemented in practice. But as this is clearly the Labour government’s stance on immigration it is important to consider now how these changes will affect your business and where possible to take action.

Click here for our business guide – Key steps businesses can take to navigate the Immigration White Paper

For guidance and support on global mobility strategies or corporate immigration advice contact us on 0808 172 9322, info@fgsolicitors.com or complete our quick contact form for a no obligation discussion!