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Contractors' group angered by work permit abuses

Published on Jun 8, 2009 |

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The PCG has commented on the recent BBC radio programme which exposed how BT IT contractors have been replaced by cheap 'offshore' workers, thanks to a loophole in the work permit rules.

Contractors recently laid off by the telecoms giant have been replaced by Indian nationals, transferred via a loophole in the work permit system via an Indian technology firm in which BT has a 31% stake.

Contractors' group unsurprised by revelations

The PCG's MD, John Brazier, said that the revelations came as no surprise to the contractors' group:

"In particular, we are extremely disappointed in this behaviour by BT, and by attempting to cut costs in this way they are ignoring the substantial talent pool of highly experienced, specialised IT contractors that exists in the UK.

"We had been hearing for some time from contractors that BT may perhaps be one of the worst offenders replacing contract staff with workers on Intra-Company Transfer visas. Such behaviour reduces opportunities for

Ongoing campaigning

The Group, which has campaigned on work permit and skills shortage issues for many years, continues to lobby Government bodies to prevent abuses of the rules.

In an ideal world, the PCG say they would like to see "no position filled by an Intra Company Transfer without first ensuring that no UK worker is available to fill the post, in a similar manner to that of non-ICT visas."

"Our recent evidence gathering campaign has shown that abuses of the system do take place and thus it urgently needs reform. Contractors are losing out, and in a recession, action needs to be taken to protect livelihoods"