Annex F
Letter from the Overseas Labour Service
WORK PERMIT
ARRANGEMENTS—1998-99
Thank you for your letter of 11 August in respect
of the above.
I am sorry to hear that the Football League
take exception to the wording contained in one of the sentences
of the revised work permit criteria for overseas footballers which
was drafted in consultation with the football governing bodies
in England and Scotland. I would like to make clear straight away
that this Department does not consider that anything contained
in the documents sent out to you and the other governing bodies
in any way discriminates against any prospective employer.
My letter of 20 May, addressed to Andy Williamson,
attempted to make clear and reinforce some of the key messages
which had been presented by Overseas Labour Service (OLS) officials
and discussed at the meeting held at Lancaster Gate earlier that
month. Our main aim was to ensure that the revised wording of
the criteria would more accurately reflect the fact that all overseas
footballers requiring a work permit to play in this country should
be of the highest standard and contribute significantly to the
sport by participating at the top level in the UK. It is most
important that the standard in connection with applications is
intentionally set at a very high level.
I should stress that by stating "Normally
this would be seen as the Premier League and Nationwide Division
One in England and Wales and the Premier League in Scotland"
this does not mean that all work permit applications received
by clubs outside of those Leagues would automatically be refused
on account of that factor alone. Should OLS, having taken into
careful consideration all comments received from the football
bodies consulted on a particular case, be of the opinion that
the criteria are fully met in respect of such an application then
we would, of course, consider issuing a permit. What would be
closely questioned on any application (this applies equally to
assessment of other sports applications by OLS) includes the playing
standard of the individual, his ability to continue performing
at the highest level of the sport and the resident work force
situation.
On the latter point, it is quite clear that
there are many more individuals within the UK and European Economic
Area (EEA) seeking employment as professional footballers than
there are opportunities available. The further down the Leagues
one goes the more pertinent this fact becomes. It is vital that
this Department, with the support of the governing bodies of the
sport, seeks to ensure that any attempt by a UK club to employ
an overseas player is supported by satisfactory evidence that
the standard, and the contribution expected to be made by the
player, is better than that available for within the estabished
EEA work force.
I hope you will see from this reply that OLS
are not attempting to block future work permit applications from
any of your member clubs currently operating in the Second and
Third Divisions. We are merely taking the opportunity of trying
to help those clubs, who may be considering signing a non-EEA
player, by providing them with what we believe to be a much clearer
explanation of what the Department expects from any future work
permit application they may consider submitting to us. OLS are
always willing to discuss work permit arrangements with employers
who may have important issues to raise before they actually submit
an application. You may wish to bring this invitation to the attention
of your clubs.
The arrangements for the 1998-99 season, sent
out to you last month, will be applied to all applications received
by OLS from football clubs. These will be monitored over the coming
months and reviewed with all the football governing bodies towards
the end of the current season. Should you have any observations
about the arrangements during this time I would be pleased to
receive and consider them.
Jim Martin
Sports & Entertainments Team
Overseas Labour Service
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