IPEM signs letter to Home Secretary on immigration rule changes

02/01/2024

A LETTER has been sent to Home Secretary James Cleverly expressing concerns about changes to the visa system and the potential impact on the UK science sector.

IPEM was one of several professional bodies and Royal Societies to sign the letter, organised by the Science Council, to Mr Cleverly, expressing concerns about the potential impact the changes could have on the science sector.

The letter, which called for an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary, expressed concerns the changes to visa policy could create barriers to the continued success of the science sector, particularly for early career scientists. It stated the new minimum income requirement of £38,700 is above the average starting salary in the UK for postdoctoral researchers, technicians and other vital scientific roles.

Dr Anna Barnes, IPEM’s President, said: ‘I am pleased the science community has written to the Home Secretary about the changes to the immigration rules and the potential impact this could have on the sector in general and healthcare science in particular.’