The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents UK’s freelancers, says that Beverley Hughes’ resignation is symptomatic of a system which is crying out for greater accountability and transparency.
PCG director of external affairs Ian Durrant said, “We hope that the Government will now examine very closely the work permit system and act quickly to clamp down on abuses which we believe are widespread, particularly regarding the inappropriate use of Intra Company Transfers.
We have worked closely with Work Permits UK, the Home Office and the DTI in trying to stamp out abuses of the system which lead to exploitation of foreign workers and to job losses in the UK.
“We look forward to working with Des Browne and hope very much that he will ensure there is greater clarity around this issue. PCG believes that if we are to have a mature and sensible debate that is not going to be hijacked by racists then the public must have confidence in the systems and procedures that exist.”