Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England
May 23, 2025

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By: Kathleen O'Donnell, Kirsty Moore, Sean Pearce
In an op-ed for Northern Engineer, Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce analyse how the UK’s new immigration white paper could affect engineering employers in the North of England. The proposed reforms aim to reduce net migration and restrict lower-skilled recruitment but may increase pressure on firms already facing significant skills shortages and lower regional salary averages. With higher salary thresholds, tighter visa rules and stricter English language requirements, businesses may struggle to recruit and retain international talent. The authors encourage northern employers to review their workforce strategies now to prepare for the changes and maintain access to the skills they need.
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