Major survey reveals 'standout' view on 'Scottish visa'

The Herald Scotland

12 hours ago

The latest Understanding Business survey, conducted by 56° North and Diffley Partnership, found 70% of companies are supportive of a Scottish visa to allow some migrants to come to work in Scotland, as long as they live in the country and maintain a Scottish tax code.
A slightly smaller number, 68%, believe migration is vital for filling critical skills shortages in Scotland and that the Scottish Government should have power to control the migration of workers. However, respondents to the survey were conscious of the impact of migration on the local workforce, and the need for joined-up thinking on devolution of migration and UK-wide immigration policy.
Scottish businesses groups, notably those representing the hospitality and tourism sectors, have regularly voiced concern over skills shortages since Brexit, which ended the free movement of people between the UK and countries within the European Union. There have been calls by the [[Scottish Government]] in recent years for the introduction of a Scottish immigration visa system to help attract workers to Scotland, but they have been resisted by the UK Government, which controls immigration policy. However, it appears the issue is not going away.
The latest Understanding Business survey suggests Scottish employers are interested in a more flexible, regionally responsive immigration policy, particularly in light of workforce shortages and general economic pressures. The proposed visa would be designed to meet the needs of the Scottish labour market and population requirements which can differ from those in other parts of the UK. Only 17% of respondents said they opposed the idea of a Scottish visa, while the remaining 14% were neutral or unsure.
The survey authors said the relatively low level of opposition suggests there is broad recognition among employers of the economic and demographic benefits of such a scheme. The proposed Scottish visa would allow migrants to work and pay tax in Scotland, while being required to live in the country. This would reflect immigration models used in countries such as Canada and Australia.
The support shown towards a Scottish visa came as businesses indicated a degree of confidence about the economic outlook.
A plurality of expect turnover (47%) and profitability (44%) to increase over the next 12 months, record highs for the survey series, followed closely by those that think their turnover or profitability will remain the same in the next year, at 41% and 39%.
Around half (48%) believe general economic conditions are worse than a year ago, and 41% expect that conditions will continue to deteriorate over the next year. But a growing proportion expressed the view that the general economy is better now than a year ago (30%) or will improve over the next year (35%), up seven and 10 percentage points respectively.
Well over half of Scottish businesses said they were more concerned about tax (56%) and inflation (55%) than they were three months ago, although these proportions witnessed small declines of three and four percentage points respectively.
Meanwhile, there were encouraging findings for government ministers who are often accused of being out of touch with business. More businesses agreed that the Scottish and UK Governments are concerned with the needs of Scottish business and taking action to address them.
Agreement that the UK Government is concerned with the needs of Scottish business is 'notably lower' compared with the perception of the Scottish Government on this front, at two in five (40%) compared to over half (53%).
However, both have risen considerably since the last survey wave, up seven and five percentage points. A smaller gap was apparent when considering if both governments are taking action to address Scottish business concerns.
Mark Diffley, founder and director at Diffley Partnership said: 'The standout data point this quarter is the significant business support for the introduction of a Scottish visa for workers, backed by seven in 10 business, up to 75% of those with an opinion either way on the issues.
'Combined with other positive views about the impact of migration on the labour force and the economy, this should give political parties food for thought ahead of next year's election.
'Meanwhile, although the business community in Scotland is still rather more pessimistic than optimistic, the gap between the two has closed which gives some hope about the possibility of a more positive outlook ahead after a long, tough period for businesses.'
John Penman, managing partner at 56° North said: 'Our last survey showed Reform, which is the most vocal party in terms of restricting immigration, were gaining support among business in Scotland, however these results show that many businesses are in favour of bringing skilled migrants into the Scottish workforce.
'Reform's continued strong showing in the polls may well mean this becomes a recurring theme in the run up to next year's Scottish election as parties seek to position themselves as best for economic growth.'
Understanding Business surveyed more than 500 Scottish businesses across a range of sectors, including hospitality, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.