The Home Secretary has recently announced changes to the Points-Based System of Immigration (PBS). With almost immediate effect, the Government is to strengthen the resident labour market test for Tier 2 skilled jobs. As of 31 March 2009, employers must advertise these jobs to resident workers through JobCentre Plus, for a minimum of two weeks where the salary is below £40,000, before they can bring in a worker from outside Europe. See the Home Office website for further information.
In addition, access to Tier 1 (General) of the PBS is limited to applicants with a Master's Degree and a minimum salary of £20,000.
