UK language tests for immigrants

Prime Minister Gordon Brown will tighten immigration rules for thousands of foreigners seeking work in Britain, his Downing Street office confirmed yesterday.

All skilled workers from outside the EU will have to show they can speak English in a move that could block around 35,000 people coming to Britain.

The move, to be announced by Mr Brown in a speech to the Trade Unions Congress today, was dismissed by the opposition Conservatives as "tough talk" that would have little effect on levels of immigration.

Under immigration rules affecting workers from outside the EU, applicants are split into Highly Skilled, Skilled and Non-Skilled.

Only the first two categories can apply to settle permanently in Britain.

Highly skilled workers already have to show they are proficient in English. Today's announcement will extend that requirement to the skilled category.