[joefife]

Because people who you want to come and work in the UK won't bother coming if it's hostile. The quality immigrants will simply not bother turning up. There are not the British bodies to fill these roles.

Instead, you'll be left with the less desirable and desperate.

Do you really want a workforce of those who grudgingly turn up, or would you rather the happier workforce of those who can enjoy family life?

[mobiuscog]

Especially as most of the roles they want, are the same roles the government doesn't want to increase the pay of.

[tharmas]

What about training local to do these jobs? Have you considered the fact that importing skilled labour from low income countries is a selfish act? The higher income country doesn't have to train these workers and the higher income country is creating a brain drain that leaves the low income country with one less skilled worker. You're effectively poaching talent from worse off countries.