Leaked immigration plans ‘catastrophic’ for industry, say employers

Industry leaders urge open approach to hiring from EU after proposals for post-Brexit policy are revealed

Britain's blueprint for a post-Brexit immigration policy, outlined in leaked Home Office documents, would be "catastrophic" for some industries, employers have warned.

Corporate chiefs and industry leaders in sectors including housebuilding, aerospace, farming and hotels said the tighter controls could lead to labour shortages and damage the economy, as one of their biggest fears about Brexit shows signs of becoming a reality.

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