Independent trade union Nautilus International has called for an end to visa waivers in the offshore wind sector, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that the government is investing a further £160m into floating wind farm construction and deployment.
Nautilus International general secretary Mark Dickinson said: “As the UK government looks to expand the country’s successful offshore wind industry, it is essential to remove this obstacle to promoting job opportunities for local labour in the sector.”
The union said it has long campaigned for an end to the immigration waivers, which have been repeatedly extended by the UK government.
The current waiver scheme lasts until 1 July 2022 and allows offshore wind companies to employ non-UK crew without visas.
Nautilus said that the practice undermines UK employment and training in the sector.
Dickinson said: “There is no credible evidence that we have seen to show a shortage of UK maritime professionals looking to work in offshore wind.
“The government has an opportunity here to tie the UK’s commitment to green growth to its promised levelling up agenda.
“By removing the waiver scheme, ministers can promote good-quality jobs for British seafarers instead of continuing to allow employers to resolve their alleged recruitment difficulties by recruiting abroad.
“Taxpayer money is being invested in the zero-carbon agenda – the public expects to see those funds used responsibly, to create good local jobs with fair pay in these sustainable industries.”