Other UK News In Brief

Have Your Say On Student Visa Reforms

As the public consultation on reform of the student route to the UK draws to a close, the Government has called on people to take this opportunity to make their views heard. The eight week consultation seeks views on a range of measures to reduce the overall number of students who can come into the UK. Proposals include: reducing the number of people coming to the UK to study at below degree level; introducing a tougher English language requirement; 
and ensuring students wishing to extend their studies show evidence of academic progression.The Government has committed to making changes across the immigration system to achieve its overall aim of reducing net migration to sustainable levels, in addition to the introduction of an annual limit on workers from outside the EU. The student route accounts for two thirds of migrants entering the UK each year which is why it is a key focus for reform. The new proposals could see Tier Four largely restricted to those studying degree level courses, unless the institution is a Highly Trusted Sponsor. English language competency could be a prerequisite for people wanting to study a higher level course and Tier Four applicants will have to pass an English language test showing competence at intermediary level B2, a step up from the B1 currently required. The drive to ensure students return overseas after their course finishes could mean students will have to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to further their studies, and show evidence of progression to a higher course. It could also mean students are not given unrestricted access to work through the post-study route under Tier One. In addition, the Government is looking at ways to improve the inspection and accreditation of the education sector, to ensure the courses offered by private institutions of further and higher education are of the highest quality.

West Lothian Council Fined After Pensioner's Fatal Fall

An elderly lady died when she fell through an access hole in her hallway floor which had been left uncovered by council employees working on her property. In July 2009, Mrs Catherine Walker, 90, walked into the hallway of her house in Broompark View, East Calder, to go to her bathroom. She fell into an unguarded access hole and suffered major injuries from which she later died. West Lothian Council employees were carrying out gas repair works as part of a programme to upgrade the central heating systems in all of the council's domestic properties. The work involved fitting new radiators, pipework, a boiler and electrical control systems. As the pipework runs under the floors, the floorboards were lifted in order to do the job. West Lothian Council pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £80,000 at Livingston Sheriff Court.

Graduate Recruitment Showing Good Signs

Commenting on the release of the Association of Graduate Recruiters Survey, David Willetts Minister for Universities and Science said: "The graduate employment market is showing encouraging signs of improvement for the first time since the beginning of the recession. Investment in growing the economy and creating a highly skilled workforce is critical and graduates have a vital part to play. A degree remains a good investment in the long term and is one of the best pathways to achieving a good job and rewarding career. However, the job market remains competitive for new graduates, as it does for everyone, and graduates still need to work hard to maximise their chances of success. Internships are a route being followed by increasing numbers of graduates and, as part of our programme to get Britain working, we continue to encourage employers to invest in students and graduates by offering work experience and internships which help them to develop valuable skills and boost their employment chances."

(BMcN/GK)