UK will not ease immigration barriers to plug skills shortages, says minister

Ending freedom of movement of people was one of the ‘fundamental principles’ of Brexit and could not be adapted, said Robert Jenrick. Photograph: James Veysey/Rex/Shutterstock

The immigration minister, Robert Jenrick, has clashed with business bosses over access to overseas workers, saying companies should train UK staff to fill vacancies rather than relying on people from other countries.

But the head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which starts its annual conference on Monday, when it will hear from Rishi Sunak, said the current immigration system meant there was no “momentum for growth”.