Government proposals to oblige UK companies to disclose details of the foreign workers they employ have been abandoned.
Speaking to the BBC, Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, said: “This is not going to happen” but added that firms could be asked “simply to report their numbers” as this could help identify skills gaps in the UK workforce.
According to the BBC, a briefing note was distributed following Home Secretary, Amber Rudd’s, speech to the Conservative Party conference and concerns were raised over the possibility of firms being “named and shamed” for the foreign workers they employ.
However, Sir Michael has stepped in to reassure businesses that there will be a consultation with employers on how government can do more to encourage companies to look first at the British labour market before recruiting workers from abroad.