Written question asked by Callum Anderson (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026. It was answered by Blair McDougall (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Small Businesses: Skilled Workers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of visa fee reimbursement schemes on the recruitment of highly skilled workers by UK scale-ups.

Answer: As part of delivering the Industrial Strategy, the Chancellor launched the Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale-Ups on 10 June. This targeted grant scheme will help UK scale-ups in Clean Energy, Life Sciences and Digital & Technologies recruit internationally by reimbursing eligible visa application fees. It will support firms to access exceptional skills, strengthen global competitiveness and reinforce the UK as a place for ambitious businesses to start, scale and stay in the UK.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 8412
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Recruitment Visas Migrant workers Small businesses Skilled workers
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk