Borders to reopen for foreign workersThe Morrison government will prioritise certain sectors suffering skill shortages, as it opens up borders to foreign workers by Christmas. Prioritised sectors include agriculture, resources, healthcare, infrastructure and engineering (AFR). More than half of employers reported difficulties to the National Skills Commission in recruiting staff in September, while one in five occupations is suffering from skills shortages. Despite the worker shortage in agriculture, the sector has resisted efforts to lift pay rates to at least minimum wage for fruit pickers. It is hoped the decision will help tackle rampant exploitation and underpayment of migrant workers in the sector.

Source: Stuff November 07, 2021 19:58 UTC