Reform UK proposes levy on overseas workers

Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage, has announced a “migrant worker surcharge” that would add a higher rate of employer National Insurance and a separate annual charge for any employee who does not hold a UK passport. The levy would apply across the NHS, social-care providers, schools, and universities, with no exemptions for sectors that already face staffing shortages. Reform argues the measure is intended to encourage organisations to recruit British workers.

The Guardian

• Health and social care: The report notes that roughly 20 % of NHS England staff are not UK nationals.

The Guardian

• Education: About 6 % of teachers in England are non-UK nationals, a share that is higher in secondary schools and in subjects such as languages and physics. James Zuccollo of the Education Policy Institute said the charge would affect long-term residents with settled status, turning a recruitment brake into a retroactive cost on existing staff.

The Guardian

• Higher education: Universities allocate up to 60 % of their budgets to salaries, and nearly half are already running deficits. Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute cautioned that higher wage bills could push financially vulnerable institutions “to the wall.” Dr Alicia Greated of the Campaign for Science and Engineering added that the levy would exacerbate existing visa-related costs, diverting funds from research and development.

The Guardian

Reform UK was contacted for comment but did not provide a statement at the time of reporting.

The Guardian

• “Any policy that further increases costs or reduces workforce capacity ultimately risks affecting patients’ access to care.” — Jane Townson, the chief executive of the Homecare Association

The Guardian