Reform UK Proposes Surcharge on Non-British Workers

Reform UK proposed a migrant worker surcharge that would mandate employers to pay a separate annual charge and a higher rate of employer national insurance for staff lacking UK passports. The proposed policy would apply across the United Kingdom and include EU nationals with settled status, though Irish passport holders would be exempt. The party stated the levy aims to encourage organizations to prioritize the hiring of British employees.

Health, education, and care sector experts responded with warnings that the plan would damage the National Health Service and create teacher shortages. The Higher Education Policy Institute stated that the resulting higher wage bills could push some universities into bankruptcy.

Industry bodies including the King's Fund and the Homecare Association argued the levy would increase costs for already stretched services. The Royal College of General Practitioners warned that penalizing overseas doctors risks reducing patient access to care, while the Homecare Association noted the policy could lead to provider failure due to a lack of available domestic workers to fill the gap.