CBI 'rejects' plans for EU work permit

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has come out against proposals to introduce a European work permit, it has been revealed.

According to reports by Personnel Today, the CBI has voiced its opposition to the proposed scheme, which would lead to the creation of a union-wide visa system that has been likened to the US Green Card system.

"The CBI believes that control over numbers of non-EU citizens entering countries for work should remain with member states," said Neil Carberry, head of employment at the CBI.

"Additional entry systems at EU level disrupt this and add unnecessary complications for employers," he added.

However, according to Jose Manuel Barroso, the current president of the European commission, the proposals would allow professional migrants a more straightforward way to work within the union.

The EU scheme has been dubbed the blue card.