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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Restaurants in migrants protest | Restaurants in migrants protest |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| Thousands of restaurant workers have gathered in London to protest about recent changes to immigration laws. | Thousands of restaurant workers have gathered in London to protest about recent changes to immigration laws. |
| Groups representing 44,000 Chinese, Turkish and South Asian firms are meeting in Trafalgar Square to voice fears over new immigrant restrictions. | Groups representing 44,000 Chinese, Turkish and South Asian firms are meeting in Trafalgar Square to voice fears over new immigrant restrictions. |
| The Ethnic Catering Alliance estimates up to 30% of its restaurants are under threat because of new rules requiring non-EU staff to meet strict criteria. | The Ethnic Catering Alliance estimates up to 30% of its restaurants are under threat because of new rules requiring non-EU staff to meet strict criteria. |
| Ministers say the system balances the interests of UK and foreign workers. | Ministers say the system balances the interests of UK and foreign workers. |
| The protest comes after the launch of the new points-based system at the end of February for migrants from outside the EU, which favours highly-skilled workers. | The protest comes after the launch of the new points-based system at the end of February for migrants from outside the EU, which favours highly-skilled workers. |
| Rice bowl petition | Rice bowl petition |
| Under the scheme, migrants can only work in the UK if they meet criteria including good educational qualifications and the ability to speak proficient English. | Under the scheme, migrants can only work in the UK if they meet criteria including good educational qualifications and the ability to speak proficient English. |
| Curry isn't Indian or Bangladeshi food anymore, it's British food now Mohammed Ohid Uddi Battle to 'save great British curry' | |
| The new immigration rules have especially affected workers in the ethnic food sector, including Indian and Chinese restaurants, many of whom lack the required points to allow them to continue working in Britain. | The new immigration rules have especially affected workers in the ethnic food sector, including Indian and Chinese restaurants, many of whom lack the required points to allow them to continue working in Britain. |
| According to BBC News correspondent Jon Kelly, the gathering was good natured and hospitable, with plenty of noise. | |
| Abdul Shahid, 45, who owns three restaurants in Derby, was one of the estimated 3,000 people at the protest. | Abdul Shahid, 45, who owns three restaurants in Derby, was one of the estimated 3,000 people at the protest. |
| He said: "We desperately need to recruit the right staff but the rules are a massive barrier. | He said: "We desperately need to recruit the right staff but the rules are a massive barrier. |
| "We make a huge contribution to the British economy and all we are asking for is fairness." | "We make a huge contribution to the British economy and all we are asking for is fairness." |
| The crowd also contained people from Chester and Liverpool, who had come down for the gathering on coaches. | The crowd also contained people from Chester and Liverpool, who had come down for the gathering on coaches. |
| The Chinese Immigration Concern Committee previously asked Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to reconsider the immigration rule changes, with its members sending her a petition written on rice bowls. | The Chinese Immigration Concern Committee previously asked Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to reconsider the immigration rule changes, with its members sending her a petition written on rice bowls. |
| The UK Border Agency, which administers the new scheme, says the points system maintains the right balance between safeguarding the interests of the UK resident work force and enabling employers to recruit skilled people from abroad. | The UK Border Agency, which administers the new scheme, says the points system maintains the right balance between safeguarding the interests of the UK resident work force and enabling employers to recruit skilled people from abroad. |
| Are you a restaurant worker affected by the changes in the law? Are you planning to take part in the demonstrations? Send your comments by using the form below | Are you a restaurant worker affected by the changes in the law? Are you planning to take part in the demonstrations? Send your comments by using the form below |