Former Home Secretary Endorses ‘Work and Teach’ Visa to Alleviate Immigration Concerns

New Visa Proposal Gains High-Profile Support

Former Home Secretary David Blunkett has thrown his weight behind a proposed “work and teach” visa that would require skilled migrants to train British workers, according to reports from a leading thinktank. The proposal, which comes from the Good Growth Foundation, would create a new immigration route targeting sectors experiencing labour shortages while addressing public concerns about immigration.

Substantial Reduction in Public Concerns

Polling conducted as part of the research indicates the proposed visa could significantly improve public sentiment toward immigration. Sources indicate that when voters were asked about standard immigration impacts, 40% expressed being “very concerned” about how immigration would affect UK workers by 2029. However, when presented with the “work and teach” visa concept, this figure dropped dramatically to just 22% – an 18-point reduction in significant concern.

The report states that overall concern about immigration decreased by 12 points when respondents considered the training requirement. Under the proposed system, 35% of voters said they would be “not very or at all concerned” about immigration with the new visa, compared to just 25% under current immigration frameworks.

Blunkett: A “Serious, Pragmatic Plan”

David Blunkett, who served as Labour home secretary between 2001 and 2004, described the proposal as “a serious, pragmatic plan to ‘take back control’ in the truest sense.” According to his statements, the approach represents a substantive alternative to what he characterized as “slogans or scapegoating” by directly linking immigration to improved skills training for British workers.

“The public’s unease about immigration cannot be separated from their frustration about opportunity,” Blunkett added. “When people feel locked out of progress, resentment grows; when they see investment in skills and prospects, confidence returns.”, according to emerging trends

Skills Policy Shake-up Coincides with Proposal

The endorsement comes amid significant government reorganization around skills policy. Analysts suggest the recent move by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to transfer the skills brief from the Department for Education to the Department for Work and Pensions signals increased prioritization of workforce development. The reshuffle, which placed Pat McFadden in charge of the portfolio, reportedly aims to revitalize skills policy as a central government focus.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has outlined parallel plans requiring immigrants to demonstrate contribution to British society to qualify for indefinite leave to remain. These conditions reportedly include English language proficiency, clean criminal records, and community volunteering., according to market developments

Thinktank Director: “Flipping the Narrative”

Praful Nargund, director of the Good Growth Foundation, emphasized the proposal’s potential to transform immigration discourse. “You can’t out-Farage Farage,” Nargund stated, referencing contentious immigration debates. “We need a progressive vision on immigration which welcomes contribution and commitment to our country while opening up opportunity here in Britain too.”

Nargund further suggested that “linking immigration and skills reform flips the narrative from pressures to partnership, giving new arrivals and British workers the chance to work together to fix our country.”

Policy Context and Next Steps

The “work and teach” visa proposal forms part of a broader report on skills and immigration that has been submitted to ministers ahead of the November budget. In his foreword to the document, Blunkett characterized skills policy as “the foundation of a fair, confident and productive country” rather than merely “an add-on” to government agenda.

The policy development occurs alongside announced changes to visa requirements, with ministers confirming that from next year, some skilled workers will need to demonstrate English proficiency at A-level standard. The convergence of these initiatives suggests a comprehensive approach to immigration reform that balances economic needs with public confidence.

References & Further Reading

This article draws from multiple authoritative sources. For more information, please consult:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_visa
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_tank
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immigration
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Blunkett

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