A Leamington law firm is warning employers that new immigration laws coming into force could leave them short-handed.
Wright Hassall are reminding business owners that the current work permit scheme will close on November 26 2008 and replaced with a new points-based system.
The Olympus Avenue-based solicitors has raised concerns that many company bosses seem to be unaware of the changes that will see Britain adopt an immigration scheme, similar to the one used successfully in Australia.
If employers fail to react to the change in legislation they will no longer be able to transfer non-European workers to the UK who would previously have required a work permit unless they have been issued a Sponsorship Licence.
They will also be unable to extend work permits for existing employees.
Marian Dixon, from Wright Hassall, said: “Employers should consider urgently whether they need to apply for a licence. If they do they should seek expert advice on how they should go about making an application.
“It is also very important to look at staff members who currently hold work permits.
“If their work permit expires before the end of February 2009 it may still be possible to extend it before the closure of the work permit scheme but companies should act now before it is too late.”
