The points based system, used for giving work permits to non-EU workers, is having unexpected consequences on companies looking to employ overseas workers. The system, which was allegedly rushed by the Government and under development since the 2005 election, has been branded a ‘legal time bomb’ by lawyers. One problem has been that the system has made it much harder for companies to bring in highly skilled overseas graduates, when originally the system was only supposed to prevent lower-skilled migrants from being recruited instead of British workers. An announcement is expected to be made by The Migration Advisory Committee, which monitors the system, concerning whether these issues will be dealt with. Also, it will announce if, due to the recession, more professions will now be off limits to non-EU workers. We will keep you informed!