12th December, 2008

PublicTechnology.net has reported that the Training Development Agency (TDA) for schools has launched a YouTube campaign to encourage more people to become science teachers. The campaign is aimed at the British public to attract more people into teaching and in particular to the Sciences. What it highlights is that there is a shortage of suitably qualified Science Teachers in UK schools - a gap that can be closed by foreign nationals. The new Points Based System (PBS) will make it easier for schools to sponsor non-EU teachers once they have received their A rating on the new Sponsorship Registration Scheme.

Last week saw the arrest of conservative MP Damian Green over suspicion of conspiring to commit misconduct in a public office.

The Home Office, responsible for managing UK borders and immigration, has been stung by several embarrassing stories over the last year, including the revelation that an illegal immigrant had been employed as a cleaner in Parliament. Is telling the truth really a good enough reason for someone to be arrested? Fair enough, if he had revealed confidential information about applications submitted to the Home Office, but for simply telling the truth about an oversight on the part of the Home Office, how can they really justify that arrest?

Diditalid.co.uk reported that the UK government’s controversial new ID cards scheme has received some long-awaited support from a non-government organisation. South Tyneside College, who currently house over 750 foreign student, has supported the scheme saying that the ID cards, coupled with the new financial requirement of non-EU students, should ensure that the economy receives much needed income from genuine overseas students.

The new scheme places the responsibility of ensuring foreign student adhere to immigration rules on colleges and universities. Failure to do so will result in them losing their sponsorship license that allows them to accept foreign students. The ID cards will make it easier for colleges and universities to manage these responsibilities as they clearly display the immigration status of the individual. The biometric data will also make it easier for them to manage their foreign students.

Following last week's launch of the new Points Based System, the UK Border Agency has released some handy hints on their websites. The controversial changes can be confusing but there is now more clarification and help for both employers and individuals. Once the dust has settled on this system, it is hoped that it will be more beneficial to employers, employees and students.