Oklava chef Selin Kiazim's petition against labelling hospitality work as 'unskilled' hits signature target

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

A petition arguing for the rescindment of the UK government's classification of hospitality workers as 'unskilled' has reached its signature target of 2,500 in the three days since it was published.

Last week, the government announced plans to introduce a points-based immigration system, whereby so-called unskilled workers won't be allowed to work and live in the UK. 

Under the new regime, free movement will be ended for anyone not meeting a points threshold, requiring, among other criteria, that they have received a job offer earning at least £25,600 - unless it has been singled out for having a skills shortage. 

Arguing that the requirements "will unfairly burden an industry we love" causing "a potential loss of not just workers but creativity, culture and diversity," the petition calls for support in response to the new immigration law, a points-based system which classifies hospitality work as unskilled.

"Like many," it reads, "we were utterly dismayed at the announcement this week of planned changes to visa requirements for EU citizens."

Fears that the industry would be the hardest hit among those affected - which also includes the national health service, namely home and outpatient care have led many in the industry to decry the new rules.

"The aim of this petition is to revoke Priti Patel’s categorisation of ‘unskilled’ workers and to oppose the changes to visa requirements for EU workers. Hospitality workers and those in many other "low skill" industries are worth more than an arbitrary amount of points."

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor 25th February 2020

Oklava chef Selin Kiazim's petition against labelling hospitality work as 'unskilled' hits signature target