In response to ’Visa reforms revealed’ (recruiter.co.uk, 16 February), recruitment agencies and employers alike will be pleased to see the news that certain highly-skilled workers will be exempt from the annual cap on immigration.

The REC has long campaigned for flexibility in the immigration rules and the announcement is a clear indication that the government has listened to the views of British business.

The shortage of suitably skilled workers in many sectors remains a reality, and while it will not be rectified overnight, this announcement is a welcome step in the right direction along with the previous exemption on intra-company transfers.

It is only by having the flexibility to bring in specialist skills and at the same time nurturing home-grown talent that the UK and its businesses will be able to compete effectively.

Gillian Econopouly, head of policy, the Recruitment & Employment Confederation