UK favors skilled migration, no EU preference after Brexit – reports

LONDON (Reuters) – Newspapers said UK Prime Minister Theresa May and her ministers have agreed to focus Britain's post-Brexit migration system on highly skilled migrants.

In line with corporate concerns, May's cabinet-backed plan on Monday would also provide access to low-skilled foreign workers, newspapers said.

Last week, official advisers recommended giving priority to highly skilled migrant workers coming to Britain after Brexit, alarming companies in low-wage sectors. They also said that there should be no preferential treatment for workers in the EU.

The Financial Times said that if ministers backed councilors' proposals, the idea of ​​not granting preferential treatment to EU workers could change if Britain agreed to a trade deal with the bloc.

"It would mean a better deal on migration, but the same offer would be available if we concluded trade agreements with other countries in the world," the paper said, citing a source.

Just over six months before Britain leaves the EU, London and Brussels remain at odds over what their future relations will look like, and May insisted on new controls for workers migrants from the bloc.

Spokespersons for the May Office and the UK Home Office declined to comment on the reports.

Earlier, the May Bureau said the ministers had agreed that Britain would be able to "introduce a new system that works in the interests of the UK – including helping to boost productivity."

Government advisers indicated in their report that, according to available data, highly skilled migrants had a more positive impact on productivity than less skilled foreign workers.

After being rejected by other EU leaders who told him last week that his Brexit plans would not work, May told ministers that they needed to keep their stalemate in check. said his office after the cabinet meeting Monday.

May said her plan was the only viable one on the table and that she was still confident of reaching an agreement, the group said in a statement. "At the same time, the government will continue to plan reasonably without agreement," she said.

The May government released Monday a last batch of information explaining to businesses and individuals what could happen if Britain leaves the EU without a market.

Lack of agreement could hinder airlines, stop the movement of goods to the world's largest trading block and cause headaches for pet owners who want to take their dogs on vacation, according to the report. the documents.