As the 6.30am train rolled in I stood wondering ‘what’s so important about immigration laws anyway?’

Immigration laws - the most recent topic of our biannual ‘breakfast seminar’ here at BLT/CSS, indeed appears to be a very important theme in modern employment. And so, as the croissants arrived and the coffee was poured we sat with our guests engaged on what Mark Barnett, Head of Immigration at Steele’s Solicitors, had to say on this hot topic.

It seems immigration legislation has incurred policy change after policy change, and if the last 12 months isn’t enough the next 12 are set for more. Starting from the existing requirements, moving through the new regulations to the risk of civil penalties for failure to comply, Mark patiently led us through the implications that these said laws will have for us as employers. Who would have thought it would have been so complex? But I must say with all honesty, as the initial bewilderment passed it all became rather interesting; the 5 tiers of classification and the anticipated points based system particularly illuminating. Who would have thought immigrants would have a 'Life in the UK' test which many Brits born in this country couldn’t even answer? Do you know how many seats are in the Welsh parliament?!

Topped off with plenty of amusing anecdotes the session was an invaluable opportunity to gain expert personalised advice and guidance. With the delicious croissants softening the blow even the early start didn’t prove too taxing!

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