Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated he may reconsider the government's migration proposals, telling the BBC he wants to bring a "new pair of eyes" to the dispute surrounding Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's plans.
Proposed changes to settlement rules
Under Labour's plans, migrants would face a minimum 10-year wait before applying for settlement rights, with those arriving during the so-called "Boris Wave" facing 10 to 15 years. Migrants could also be barred from claiming benefits unless they become British citizens.
Ms Mahmood is under pressure from dozens of Labour MPs, trade unions and health groups to exempt migrants already living in the UK from the new rules, arguing it is unfair to change the threshold after millions moved under the previous five-year system.
Burnham's stance
Mr Burnham said: "I think people would expect me to bring a new pair of eyes to these issues and find where the fairness is and the right point of balance." He added that he is "listening to people's views" and will seek a "fair resolution".
Impact on health workforce
The Royal College of Nursing warned that the changes could trigger an exodus of internationally educated nursing staff. An RCN survey of over 5,000 nurses found that as many as 46,000 could leave the UK.
The RCN stated: "In the longer-term, the UK Government must implement policy interventions to make ILR more accessible for nursing staff." It called for immediate indefinite leave to remain for nursing staff and a reduction in application fees from £3,029 to £523.
Loophole concerns
Care England told the Home Affairs Select Committee that the plans create a loophole allowing workers to transfer to the NHS to circumvent the crackdown. They reported a resignation from a nurse leaving to join the NHS because of a rule that allows five years of NHS employment to count toward settlement, unlike social care roles.
Financial warnings
Reform has claimed the record influx of migrants could cost £622bn in NHS treatments, housing, benefits and social care.
Mr Burnham acknowledged public concern, saying: "I think the worry that people have is the feeling that it's out of control and that we don't have a grip as a country, and therefore we don't have the right procedures in place."
