Industry bosses cast doubt on jobs 'bootcamp' plans

Industry bosses have cast doubt on new plans for skills "bootcamps" for unemployed Britons as part of government efforts to plug gaps in the jobs market left by overseas workers. The government already runs intensive training "bootcamps" to help people out of work retrain in many sectors, but new, initial plans will focus on industries hit hardest by labour shortages from new migration rules. Work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said the UK had relied on foreign labour "for too long". But industry figures suggested the plans may not be enough for businesses that are at "breaking point". What is the minimum salary UK visa applicants need? Jenrick insists UK workers will fill labour gaps Under the latest plans, benefits claimants would be given training for roles in key sectors facing shortages including hospitality, care, construction and manufacturing. The new model will be partly based on the measures introduced in 2021 to target a chronic shortage of HGV drivers, which included skills "bootcamps" and Jobcentre training schemes. Mr Stride said: "It's a plan providing more opportunities for people here at home to get on, to progress, and to increase their pay. "I know this presents a recruitment challenge for some employers in certain sectors, particularly those that have relied more on migration in the past. "For too long we have relied on labour from abroad when there is great talent right here in the UK - I am determined to put that right."Mr Stride will also chair a new cross-government taskforce to develop recruitment initiatives for industries with major shortages. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UK Hospitality, said the trade body was pleased to be working with the government to fill "crucial gaps" in the workforce. However, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation questioned the prioritisation of British workers over foreign workers when employers are struggling to fill many job postings. "The bottom line is that many British businesses are at breaking point because of labour shortages," said Kate Shoesmith, its deputy chief executive. "It shouldn't be about picking winners or employing British workers over foreigners. It is about creating the right conditions for long-term, sustainable economic growth". Engineering and manufacturing organisation Make UK said many employers were not aware of existing "bootcamps" and that any new measures needed to be promoted properly. Meanwhile, TUC general secretary Paul Nowak suggested the announcement did not include enough detail on its implementation, describing it as "performative politics".