The games sector’s success is largely due to its multicultural and diverse workforce. EU staff make up 35% of the workforce and a further 17% originate from beyond Europe.
Brexit threatens to restrict access to these talent pools – and there are already shortages in web designer and developers, UX designer and VFX designer roles. The planned post-Brexit skills-based immigration plan includes costly visa restrictions for EU applicants as from 2021 EU nationals are likely to need a Tier 2 Work Visa.
The Brexit Impact
The UK has already seen a “Brexodus” of EU expertise who have left the UK for opportunities elsewhere in Europe. If it imposes limited visas, paperwork and fees, the UK could see a decline in interest in many sectors.
UK games businesses may then follow the likes of Aviva, Barclays, Jaguar Land Rover, Philips, Rolls-Royce and Dyson by transferring operations overseas. Sony and Panasonic already plan to move their headquarters from London to Amsterdam. Indeed 40% of gaming companies in the UK were considering relocating to the EU when Article 50 was triggered.
Overcoming the Shortfalls
The Migration Advisory Committee has advised the Government to add games roles to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). This saves employers from having to advertise the job locally for 28 days, and they can actively seek out individuals with the skills they need.
Manchester, Oldham and Rochdale Immigration Solicitors
For advice on the rules for gamers in post-Brexit Britain or any other immigration matters from a local expert, call Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham & Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale. If you need help from Rochdale immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors or Oldham immigration solicitors, call Scarsdale Solicitors now on 0161 660 6050.
