New immigration rules put research assistant roles ‘at risk’

Awarding more points to migrants with STEM-subject PhDs undervalues social sciences, academy argues

New post-Brexit immigration rules set out by the government could have negative implications for skilled research assistants and technicians, according to some academics, who argue the new points-based system is not fair to the social sciences in particular.

Proposals outlined by Home Secretary Priti Patel on 19 February state that higher points will be awarded to would-be migrants with science PhDs and larger salaries, giving “top priority to those with the highest skills and the greatest talents, including scientists, engineers and academics”.