By Home Secretary Amber Rudd

Since the Brexit referendum, the Government has been speaking to employers about the potential impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. And a message we have heard time and again is that European citizens play a vital role in the UK’s economy.
 
We are clear that European citizens make an invaluable contribution to the economic, cultural and social fabric of Britain. In Scotland they are central to the country’s universities, financial institutions, public services, fishing and agriculture. 
 
I want to tell businesses and employers across Scotland that the UK Government is listening. That is why, once we have left the EU, this Government will apply its own immigration rules and requirements which will meet the needs of UK businesses, but also wider society.
 
Leaving the EU gives us the chance control the flow of migration from Europe while ensuring we continue to attract people to the UK who benefit us economically, socially and culturally.
 
 
Last month we outlined our offer to protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK – we explained how those EU citizens living here before the yet to be agreed cut-off date will be treated as if they are UK nationals for education, healthcare, benefits, pensions and social housing. 
 
Within that offer we made it clear there will be no impending cliff edge. I want to therefore reassure Scottish businesses that they will not face a shortage of labour from the day we leave the EU. 
 
But at the same time we recognise the public’s concern around unrestricted migration from the EU. That is why the Government is looking to create an environment that allows us to achieve sustainable levels of net migration while continuing to welcome those that have the skills our industries rely on. 
 
The Government has been working on this future system but we must ensure the decisions we are taking are based on the best evidence available. 
 
And so today I am commissioning the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Government’s independent advisers, to examine the extent to which the UK economy relies on EU workers. They will be looking at the overall role of migration in the wider economy and how the UK’s immigration system should be aligned with our modern industrial strategy. 
 
As part of this process, the MAC will be speaking to businesses and employers in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. I want to encourage Scottish employers to do everything you can to make your honest opinions known to the Committee. 
 
So if you are a Scottish farmer who relies on seasonal agricultural workers from Europe or a Scottish fish processor who needs skilled employees for your line, we want your honest views to be reflected in the MAC’s advice. 
 
At the same time, we as a Government will continue to meet industry leaders and employers to hear their views and needs first-hand. Through these meetings and the work of the MAC, we will deliver a future immigration system that gives us control and works in the best interests of every part of the UK.