Heads fear new immigration plan could hit teacher recruitment

Headteachers have raised fears that the government’s new immigration proposals could harm schools facing a teacher-recruitment crisis.The Home Office is today publishing its long-awaiting white paper setting out its plans for the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system.Home secretary Sajid Javid said the government intends to set a minimum salary requirement for higher-skilled workers applying for five-year visas.The independent Migration Advisory Committee had recommended a £30,000 threshold, but Mr Javid said the government would consult further on what the level should be.However, a headteachers’ union today called for teaching to be exempted from the salary threshold for overseas workers.NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said: “A salary threshold for skilled overseas workers would impact on teachers, as many teachers do not earn more than the proposed minimum of £30,000.”