UK Plans £3 Billion Training Drive to Cut Migrant Worker Reliance

The UK government has announced a historic £3 billion investment to create 120,000 new training opportunities aimed at boosting domestic skills and reducing reliance on migrant workers in sectors such as construction, engineering, health, social care, and digital technology. This initiative follows political pressure to curb immigration after the rise of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer declaring the end of open border policies and introducing tighter visa and citizenship rules. A 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge will fund up to 45,000 additional training places to upskill local workers. Despite the government’s emphasis on developing domestic talent, businesses have warned that stricter immigration controls without comprehensive reforms to the training system could harm the economy. The move also addresses labor market challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 21% of working-age Britons inactive in the workforce. The government is supporting apprenticeships and adult learner programs to meet workforce demands in key sectors heavily dependent on foreign labor.