To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the worker registration scheme for nationals of Eastern European EU member states is due to expire; what options to extend it there are; whether the Government have taken a decision on an extension; and if she will make a statement. (265820)

On 8 April I announced that the UK Government would retain the worker registration scheme for a further two years, subject to a review in 12 months’ time. This decision was taken following receipt of advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee. Their report can be found at:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/aboutus/workingwithus/indbodies/mac/

A copy will be placed in the House Library. Retaining WRS will help protect our labour market at this difficult time. It will also mean that the UK can continue to collect A8 data to determine whether further steps may be needed over the next two years to prevent disruption of the UK labour market.