Reposted by Luke PiperJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 6hEmployment performance of recent migrants: the 2021-23 cohort continue to perform very well and *better* than non-EU migrants before Brexit. [the 2017-19 cohort will have suffered from the pandemic but that will not affect the later years.] 24117
Reposted by Luke PiperDSC Immigration Team @doughtystimm.bsky.social · 05/10/2026𝗨𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 - Michelle Knorr and Agata Patyna were instructed by Decla Palmer from @gmiau.bsky.social ▶️ www.doughtystreet.co.uk/news/upper-t... #Immigration #ImmigrationLaw 046
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Looking forward (!?) to listening to this podcast. SSHD: we need to control immigration DBT: we need these people to fill vital skills shortage SSHD: you mean no brits can do it? train them! DBT: We need time and people to do the training SSHD: we need to control immigration 020
Reposted by Luke PiperJoanna Hardy-Susskind @joannahs.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Be under no illusion: this is a significant victory for everyone who stuck their neck out and defended jury trials, day after day, clause by clause. But it is not a comprehensive victory. Magistrates should not be allowed to send people to prison for two years. 16588159
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 04/10/2026The irony is that expanding the work checks further pushes those without the Right to Work deeper into the hands of actual criminals and exploiters. 030
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Also, 4 million people got settled status via EUSS and many more with PSS will get it too. This doesn't support his point and he cannot be ignorant of it (mayor of Manchester during peak application period). 010
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026And it's not as though this was some inconsequential thing no one knew about. People had to apply for status by 30 June 2021 or they'd become undocumented. One of the successes of the EUSS was how much communication and pushing took place by people in devolved governments. 061
Reposted by Luke PiperJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 30/09/2026This is a dreadful argument from Burnham. Empirically false - almost 6m people were granted settled status; about 4m are currently resident. More importantly panders to racism/xenophobia, and directly contradicts argument made in his speech about migrant contributions. 39349153
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Baffling that this context wasn't in his mind. That is 4MILLION granted settled status since the scheme launched less than a decade ago following the most politically divisive event that he is keen to address. He was Mayor during the peak drive to get people applying to protect their rights! 1145
Reposted by Luke PiperShoaib M Khan @shoaibmkhan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Justice minister admits that the kitty for increased legal aid spending is now empty. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Sarah Sackman said she was fully committed to the principle of legal aid but that there is little room for further investment. www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/labour-...lawgazette.co.ukLabour conference: No more money for legal aid, admits ministerSackman says focus now has to be on making existing funding go further. 001
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026I didn't go to the Labour conference, but my boss did. Have a read of their reflections! 020
Reposted by Luke PiperWork Rights Centre @workrights.bsky.social · 30/09/2026The Labour Party Conference this year was different. The message of ‘hope again’ was beaming from every screen. But, there was one glaring omission: migrant care workers. Read our CEO's analysis 👇 www.workrightscentre.org/publications...workrightscentre.orgLabour Party Conference 2026: Andy Burnham has noble ambition for care but it must include migrant care workers | Work Rights Centre 044
Reposted by Luke PiperNicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Hurrah for the creation of a National Care Service! It is so, so needed. You may not now, but you will at some point in your life. This will help millions of people, like my family. nicolakelly.substack.com/p/who-cares-...nicolakelly.substack.comWho cares? Hopefully Burnham doesOn the National Care Service and why we desperately need it 3234
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 30/09/2026This is great Nicola. Thank you. The Home Office's policy has closed overseas recruitment of care workers and the route shuts fully in July 2028. Not forgetting the whole Earned Settlement fiasco. Very much a mismatch of message and policy at the moment from this gov. there will be fewer carers! 000
Reposted by Luke PiperImmigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 29/09/2026"‘Taking back control’ turns out to be staggeringly expensive. That’s something to mull over as budget day approachesEvery 100,000 immigrants lost to the UK costs the treasury £7bn, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. That figure is unsurprising if you’ve been…" — The Guardiantheguardian.comCutting immigration to the UK means billions less for the Treasury. Can the country really afford that? | Zoe Williams‘Taking back control’ turns out to be staggeringly expensive. That’s something to mull over as budget day approaches, writes Zoe Williams 054
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 29/09/2026A speech that supports the case for why migration policy should not form part of the national security brief connected to the Home Secretary. Fairness looks very different when you see people migrating to this country through a prism of risk and threat to national security. 040
Reposted by Luke PiperJacqui Broadhead @jacquibroadhead.bsky.social · 06/03/2026The OBR views migration as a net fiscal contributor not a drag. Quite a few people don't like this or simply don't believe it, but it remains the case. 012
Reposted by Luke PiperJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026My reading is that they have just received the first OBR pre-measures forecast. Of course HMT officials knew this was likely but seeing an actual number in an OBR spreadsheet makes it real to the Spads! 3223
Reposted by Luke PiperImmigration Bot @immigrationbot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026"The Court of Appeal has dismissed two sponsor licence appeals in R (J’s Supermarket Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department and R (Prestige Social Care Services Ltd) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2026] EWCA Civ 1147. The judgment answers two questions…" — Free Movementfreemovement.org.ukCourt of Appeal upholds sponsor licence revocation despite unlawful genuine vacancy finding - Free MovementThe Court of Appeal has dismissed two sponsor licence revocation appeals and answers two questions that often emerge in revocation challenges. 001
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 28/09/2026In fairness big might be overstating things but policy editors should do better bsky.app/profile/sund... 020
Reposted by Luke PiperJonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 28/09/2026This is *not* the result of "the success of Mahmood's reforms", but of earlier measures/other factors. Her proposals could make it considerably *worse* in future years. A few other points linked below.. archive.ph/0psJ8 5296111
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 28/09/2026This is the 2nd Times piece in less than a week, the same Policy Editor, with big mistakes like this. 140
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Yes that's right in the way the rules are written today but the expectation is there will be some transitional arrangements. At least that's what has been suggested to me. 100
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Yes that makes sense. A time limited taper. Like you, I'm sceptical it will align with Earned Settlement time lines. 010
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Yes those are my expectations based on what has come before. It'll be messy. It'll deter employers. 110
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Likely there will be transitional provisions for those already in sponsored care roles by the end of 28. Could be salary changes and restrictions on who can sponsor. It'll be a lot tougher. It's already v.hard! 220
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026This scenario is just as likely as the 'everyone will leave once they get ILR'. At least in that situation it's easier to win people back into the roles with pay/flexible conditions / better work etc. the alternative you can't make a positive out of. 1210
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Providers won't want it either and I'm sure they've said the same. The current system is not compatible with the care sector. People will not be sponsored (licences revoked/sector fear/cost), they'll leave and the wheels will fall off. 1270
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Deffo. Parliament is consistently livid at the lack of oversight. Suspect it's a bit like devolution. Very happy for it to happen when not in power. But it is very difficult to give up once you have it. Something about the security brief and detail that consistently changes people! 160
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026My prediction ( based on what has come before with A8 tinkering) we will end up back where we are now but it'll take longer, be complicated (mixing of court authority tests with rules) and messy (court / new adjudicating body) for people to get results. 020
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Definitely. Particularly painful is that imbalance of risk. Employers stand to lose much less in alot of cases I see. Inaction owing to a climate of fear. I spend some of my time myth busting and trying to reassure. 110
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Surprised (not surprised) the Policy Editor doesn't pick up on important policy distinctions like this. Especially in an area of policy so heavily reported on. 000
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026For example, I've seen a few people refused or unable to apply for settlement because their employer wouldn't pay them an extra 11p per hour. 041
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Another consequence of the Earned Settlement is to distract from the harm the rule changes already implemented have had. No new entries to the work route for care workers and those already here are struggling to keep or get jobs owing to rule and policy changes. I wonder if Ange knows? 160
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Based on my conversations, regardless of Earned Settlement, fewer providers are issuing CoS for renewals and many more are losing their licences. Salary changes are also pushing sponsors not to increase salaries in time for settlement. 122
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026And if that is right, there will have to be some retrospective element to the changes. Otherwise, what's the point? The number of people coming to the UK is plummeting. 090
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 26/09/2026This exchange further confirms Earned Settlement is not about 'earning' the right stay but making it so hard for people that they leave. 1157
Reposted by Luke PiperEmma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Worrying scenes in the Channel today, for all interested in asylum policy and maritime tactics. A small boat from Normandy spent more than 30 hours at sea. Those on board now on their 2nd rescue vessel as Border Force forced to play cat and mouse with far-right activists who have their own boat. 1042175958
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 22/09/2026How much of this do you think relates to those who are focused on the migrants already here rather than those newly arriving? I've noticed that strongly feature in the 'Boris wave' narrative e.g. 'it doesn't matter that numbers are dropping, they are already here'. 150
Reposted by Luke PiperElectronic Immigration Network @ein-website.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Lords committee raises concerns over Home Secretary’s power to change immigration rules with no parliamentary scrutiny www.ein.org.uk/news/lords-c...ein.org.ukLords committee raises concerns over Home Secretary’s power to change immigration rules with no parliamentary scrutinySecondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee draws attention to powers under section 3(1)(b) of the Immigration Act 1971 after error in March's HC 1691 0510
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Thank you for reflecting on Fee Waivers in your reporting. It is often cited as the 'fix' by the Home Office. The only remedy to a bad fee waiver decision is judicial review which carries huge risks. People are essentially left with no choice but to pay. 140
Reposted by Luke PiperEmiliano Mellino @mellino.bsky.social · 15/09/2026The UK government is making upwards of £4.9bn in profit from visa fees, citizenship fees & the immigration health surcharge. Meanwhile, people are getting into thousands of pounds of debt or going without food just to afford to these immigration fees. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2026...thebureauinvestigates.comGovernment makes £5bn a year from immigration fees while applicants…Home Office’s fees are up to 10 times the processing cost – and rising every year 8236155
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 21/09/2026I do but it's for reasons at odds with their agenda! 120
Reposted by Luke PiperLisa O’Carroll @lisaocarroll.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Swedes still deporting pre Brexit residents Brits, despite prospective new government promises new laws to give them a second chance. I met this man hours after he was deported - he was distraught to say the least www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...theguardian.com‘I have nothing in the UK at all’: British man torn from his Swedish wife and homeCharles lands at Heathrow with just two bags and nowhere to go as a result of Brexit and Stockholm’s hardline immigration position 2212657
Reposted by Luke PiperCJ McKinney @cjmckinney.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Citizenship tests are coming to Ireland, along with a longer residence period (eight years) before people qualify in the first place www.gov.ie/en/departmen... 022
Reposted by Luke PiperNicola Kelly @nicolakellywrites.bsky.social · 17/09/2026I have spent weeks shadowing the RNLI and I can tell you, they do it out of nothing more than compassion. Wrote about the heroes I've met over the years in this free-to-read post. nicolakelly.substack.com/p/the-rnli-a...nicolakelly.substack.comThe RNLI aren't traitors; they're heroesI have spent weeks shadowing lifeboat crews. Here's what they do and what it's like. 341523492
Luke Piper @lukepiper.bsky.social · 17/09/2026I don't think so. The legal position is pretty clear on retrospective changes so you're left with the political argument. Saying you can't retrospectively change any law will run out of steam fast. 000
Reposted by Luke PiperEmma Yeomans @yeomans.bsky.social · 17/09/2026The RNLI has said the abuse of volunteers in Portsmouth has forced it to close the lifeboat station there and stop operating since September 10. Nearby stations have been providing cover to the area instead. One of the UK's largest coastal cities without a lifeboat because of the far-right. 40900502
Reposted by Luke PiperAndrea Egan UNISON General Secretary @andreaegangs.bsky.social · 14/09/2026TUC says: Migrant rights are workers' rights 28735
Reposted by Luke PiperSonia L @sonial77.bsky.social · 13/09/2026Horrifying. And this person is presumably still at it. 13918