HC Deb 14 July 1978 vol 953 c838W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what criteria his Department uses in considering applications for work permits in respect of foreign professional footballers.

Mr. John Grant

The basic criteria for the issue of work permits are:

  1. (i) the work is such as to require a person with a professional qualification, skill or experience;
  2. (ii) the employment of an overseas worker is necessary;
  3. (iii) there is no suitable resident labour available to fill the post offered and the employer has made adequate efforts to find such a worker;
  4. (iv) the overseas worker is between 18 and 54 years of age;
  5. (v) the wages and conditions of employment offered are not less favourable than those prevailing in the area for similar work.

These criteria are applied, as appropriate, in considering applications for work permits in respect of foreign professional footballers.