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