The British government intends to allow foreign students to work more hours in an attempt to stimulate the economy, according to a report in the Times newspaper based on people familiar with the matter. They say the government is looking at ways to encourage British and foreign students to take on part-time jobs to help solve the shortage of workers in sectors such as hospitality and retail.
According to the report, the government has begun to discuss the possibility of raising the quota of hours allowed for foreign students to 30 hours per week from 20. Another option is to cancel the cap altogether.
Sources in the government told the newspaper that the ministers are looking into “what else we can do to remove obstacles and encourage students to work.” As mentioned, the issue of work quotas for foreign students is one of the options being examined. However, the idea is only in the initial stages and still needs to win broad support in the government, the insiders emphasized.
The British government fears a recession, and predicts that in 2023 the economy will shrink by 1.4%. However, for 2024 the expected growth is 1.3%, for 2025 – 2.6% and for 2026 – 2.7%.