In the wake of Brexit, the UK is seeing a surge in foreign workers leaving the country. This could lead to a disruption of the retail sector. Many companies will face staffing issues as the Christmas season gets closer.
Next, a high-street retailer believes that foreign workers can be hired through a visa tax to solve the labour shortages. This would also apply to its logistics and warehouse staff. According to Next’s ceo Lord Wolfson, seasonal workers are difficult to find.
Lord Wolfson suggested that businesses could apply for visas to obtain the skills they need. He also recommended that UK workers be paid the same as workers from overseas. He suggested that businesses pay a “visatax on top” – let’s say 7 percent, to make it more competitive.
He stated, “We must design a system which delivers the skills while at the same times ensures that UK workers have the opportunities they want.”
He said that the solution would ensure that people were not brought to the UK to lower UK workers, as they will always be cheaper and provide the skills Britain needs to keep its economy moving.
He suggested that only UK-based businesses should be eligible to apply for these visas and that it shouldn’t cost employers more than hiring in the UK.
Retail chain pays stock associates and store sales consultants between 6.55 and 9.21 pounds per hour, and warehouse operatives between 9.30 and 11.26 pounds per hour. The Living Wage rate in London is 10.85 Pounds an hour, while the rate in the UK is 9.50 Pounds per hour.
According to the Office for National Statistics, Britain is experiencing a shortage of workers. Between June and August, there were a record 1,000,000 job vacancies.
