Fashion Roundtable have submitted evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee in response to the open consultation on the Shortage Occupation List - the new points-based immigration system, applying to EU and EEA workers coming in the UK starting 1 January 2020.

Fashion Roundtable has produced a research document to analyse the current situation related to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) for the fashion sector in the new points-based immigration system, applying to EU and EEA workers coming in the UK starting 1 January 2020.

The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (Eu Withdrawal) Bill 2019-21 was introduced by the Home Secretary Priti Patel, in the House of Commons and it was given its First Reading on 4 March 2020. On the 18 May 2020, the Bill passed the Second Reading with 351 Ayes and 252 Noes. The Bill does not set out the future immigration system, which will apply to EU and non-EU citizens who move to the UK after the transition period. The future immigration system will be provided for in the Immigration Rules.

Last month, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Textiles and Fashion organised a meeting to discuss visas and employment in the garment manufacturing sector. Fashion Roundtable, which provides the secretariat for the Group, also launched a survey to collect data and insights from the garment manufacturing sector, which closes on the 6th of September.

Manufacturers, machinists, academics and policy makers gathered on Monday 8th of July to discuss visas and employment for the UK garment manufacturing industry.