The BCMPA plans to conduct a survey of its members to collect evidence on the need for foreign workers. This will then be submitted to the Government. Credit: BCMPA

The British Contract Manufacturers and Packers Association (BCMPA) plans to lobby against the UK Government’s points-based entry system for immigrant workers and consult members regarding concerns, the organisation announced today.

The new immigration system will be implemented in January 2021, replacing free movement from the European Union. It will give priority to high-skilled workers.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Members of the BCMPA have expressed concerns over the proposed system, saying it will have a significant impact on seasonal campaigns such as Christmas when extra labour is required.

BCMPA chief executive Rodney Steel told Packaging Gateway: “In the packaging industry, there is significant importance in hiring temporary labour. It’s important, especially in the seasonal periods, that employment contracts can be done on short notice and with flexibility.

“The new system will have an impact on this. This is similar too with the agriculture industry right now, where fruit pickers are needed for certain times of the year. The new system will also affect that industry.”

The BCMPA plans to conduct a survey of its members to collect evidence on the need for foreign workers. This will then be submitted to the Government.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Steel said: “The government’s recent announcement has caused major concerns among the BCMPA membership. If the proposed legislation is implemented, many feel it will have a hugely detrimental impact on their businesses.

“As a result, we now intend to conduct a survey of members in order to obtain real evidence and hard data that can be submitted to the government. We intend to voice our members’ concerns at the highest level, and we will be monitoring the progress of this legislation very closely.”

Steel added that businesses should embrace innovation.

Steel told Packaging Gateway: “The important thing that businesses could do to adapt should the bill go through is to continually keep upgrading automation.

“For instance, businesses could use cobots which are collaborative robots intended to interact with humans. Unlike typical industrial robots, cobots are able to work alongside an employee rather than independently.”