English to Be Required of Skilled Noncitizen Workers by UK

The BBC reports that all skilled workers from outside the EU will have to learn English before they can enter Britain, the prime minister is expected to confirm. Gordon Brown will announce the measure on Monday. At present, only workers in the “highly skilled” category need to demonstrate that they can speak English before they are given permission to work in the UK. The test will now apply to the “skilled” category – and ministers have said they are looking to extend the requirement to low-skilled workers, who do not have the right to apply for permanent residency.

Exemptions will include international footballers signed by Premiership clubs.

KJ