Latest news with #Englishproficiency
Bloomberg
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Trucking's English-Language Rule for Drivers Will Backfire
Foreign-born truck drivers may need to bone up on their English-language skills by June 25. That's when authorities have the green light to bar holders of commercial driver's licenses from the road because they don't have a sufficient grasp of the language. Large trucking companies, which normally decry driver shortages, have been pushing for this change, citing safety reasons. The Trump administration was more than happy to rescind a 2016 directive by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that suspended the lack of English-language proficiency as a reason for putting a driver out of service. 'America First means safety first,' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said when he signed the order during a May 20 event in Austin, Texas. 'Americans are a lot safer on roads alongside truckers who can understand and interpret our traffic signs.'
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
What Labour's immigration reforms will mean for the care sector
SIR – The Government's plan to require foreign skilled workers to have degrees (report, May 12) will lead to a situation where doctors and other professionals can come in, but there will be a complete lack of people applying for manual staff jobs in residential care for the elderly, sick and disabled. It seems as though Sir Keir Starmer can't run a whatsit in a brewery. Paul Griffith West Malvern, Worcestershire SIR – I note that at present anyone applying for care work in the UK – whether foreign or British – needs as a minimum to meet the B1 standard of proficiency in English: in other words, 'the ability to understand common phrases and everyday expressions, manage most situations likely to be encountered in travel or work, and produce simple connected text on a familiar topic'. Now, according to your report (May 8), the Home Secretary will be demanding that all work visa applicants have English at B2 – in other words, A-level – standard. Is she really intending to turn the crisis in social care into a complete disaster, or is this simply an oversight? Dame Patricia Hewitt Thornham, Norfolk SIR – During my recent second career as a local councillor, I discovered that many social care workers were women in their late thirties and forties who above all wanted flexible working arrangements so they could be home for the children after school and during school holidays, and available during any child illnesses. This cohort, by and large, were not so interested in securing generous public sector pensions, but wanted a good rate for a difficult job with reasonably flexible working hours. I was informed, however, that there was no scope within local government pension rules to allow such a trade-off, and that flexible employment contracts would not be agreed by the unions. The only way to offer flexibility was to use expensive agency workers, often from overseas. This is something the Government should act upon if it is to encourage these carers back into the market. Alan Law Streatley, Berkshire SIR – I read Jane Shilling's column ('The elderly need to be recognised for their skills, not as a burden', May 12) with interest and agreement. I get the impression that this Government considers them a burden, rather than a demographic that still contributes to society in many ways through voluntary and paid employment. Now with the crackdown on immigration, care homes will no doubt be tearing their hair out and may face closure. The patronising tone from Labour is outmoded. Just treat us with more actual respect and then we will willingly give it back. Judith A Daniels Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
