As previously reported by "Immigration Matters" the government has finally unveiled its plans to change the entire UK immigration system to one based on points: the more in demand the skill, the more likely the individual will be able to come to the UK. In this special report we assess how the new rules will affect the care industry.

All the current work permits and entry schemes will be replaced by a five tier points-based system, the aim being to only allow entry to those whose skills will benefit the UK. The more skills you have, and the more those skills are in demand, the more points you will gain, increasing your likelihood of entry to the UK. European Union workers will not be affected. See www.workingintheuk.gov.uk.

THE FIVE TIERS

Tier One: Highly skilled
People in this category will automatically gain enough points to come to the UK without a job offer and seek work or set up a business. This group would include doctors, scientists, and top-flight entrepreneurs. Workers in this category will have the most flexibility in the UK and greatest opportunities to settle for good.

Tier two: Skilled with job offer
As expected this will cover people with qualifications or important work-related experience in a huge range of sectors from health service workers to white collar jobs and the trades. People in this category will be given points based on their talents and will be allowed into the UK if they have a job offer in a "shortage area" such as teaching or nursing. Those applying for workers to fill other jobs will have to go through the Resident Labour Market Test to prove the job cannot be filled by the resident workforce and workers will need to gain sufficient points to qualify