Freelancers body PCG says it is disappointed with the findings of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) Report on the abuse of the work permit system.

The MAC, tasked with advising ministers on immigration policy, put forward its recommendations on  the reform of Intra Company Transfer (ICT) work permits.

ICTs can lead to the displacement of skilled resident workers, such as IT contractors.

Rather than tighten the rules to limit the use of ICT permits in the recession, the MAC called for stronger enforcement of current legislation, while the government now forbids the use of ICT permits where they will be directly replacing a settled UK worker.

John Brazier, PCG managing director, says: “The government is to be congratulated on taking a tougher line on the ICTs than the MAC recommendations, exactly what PCG has been calling for.

“This new measure seems to send a clear signal to those abusing the system: replacing highly skilled contractors with ICT workers will no longer be tolerated.