If Vince Cable the Business Secretary believes the caps are liable to effect British Business, with companies moving their projects offshore http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8009872/Number-10-attacks-Vince-Cable-over-immigration-cap-claims.html  and John Cridland deputy director-general of the CBI saying in the same article: "The interim cap is causing serious problems for many firms.

The new Home Secretary is putting some additional levels on top of the controls introduced last year. These include interim quota's for Tier 1 visa's and the "per employer" quota's that will apply to Tier 2 visa's. Additionally the points threshold has been raised by 5 points.

Do you believe in the free movement of international professionals around the globe? Do you think each country should make this process easier and simpler rather than pursuing the small minded xenophobic protectionist policies that seem to be the norm presently? Surely every country would benefit from allowing skilled contract workers to be allowed to come in and perform a particular role for a short term project.

Learning about the rules governing UK work permit visas helps you understand what is required of you if you want a permit. Sponsorship is central to the Tier 2 UK work permit visa, and the associated rules are of special importance. There are also important rules about changing employers and the length of time you’re allowed to stay in the country which are relevant to contractors.

Contracting in the UK isn’t as simple as it once was. With stricter rules on immigration, contractors have to apply for a Tier 2 work permit, which is set up for permanent employees. Unless you qualify for an alternative type of visa (such as if you have “exceptional talent”) you’ll have to grapple with the difficulties of getting set up as a contractor on a work permit. If you’re an oil and gas worker, software developer, IT project manager, business analyst, telecommunications contractor or a tester, this guide can help you.