01/07/2011

Britain Urged To Employ British

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has urged UK companies to reach out to unemployed young Britons.

Speaking to the Spanish Foundation for Analysis and Social Studies in Madrid, he encouraged British businesses to "give a chance" to Britons, rather than depending on foreign workers.

Last year over half of newly filled jobs were accepted by foreign nationals.

The Work and Pensions Secretary said a "realistic promise" of work formed part of the government's "contract" with the British people.

However firms say they hire the "best people" and migrants often had a better work ethic and skills.

Under EU labour laws, most citizens can work in the UK without restriction. In an effort to reduce net migration, a cap has been implemented on the number of skilled workers from outside the EU permitted to work in the UK.

(BMcN/GK)

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