Feedback from the BIA members has been instrumental in shaping policies that affect access to skills and talent pathways for the UK bioscience industry. It provided insight into current challenges, barriers and opportunities for the sector and helped influence policymakers on the UK points-based immigration system (PBS).
Thanks to member evidence and positive actions, the BIA supported several submissions on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), contributing to APPG on Equality in STEM and supplying evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee enquiry into diversity in STEM. We have also been part of the newly formed Medicines Manufacturing Challenge Fund EDI Community, led by Innovate UK, as part of a broader network of organisations sharing ideas and action plans to address EDI challenges.
If you would like to be part of this community, please get in touch with me at [email protected]
The Life Sciences 2030 Skills Strategy is another key milestone in delivering on the recommendations of the Life Sciences Industrial Strategy and the subsequent Life Sciences Sector Deals.
Skills England
The Prime Minister and Education Secretary have launched Skills England to unify the fragmented skills landscape and boost the nation’s skills. Richard Pennycook CBE has been appointed interim Chair.
Skills are vital for economic growth, yet skills shortages have doubled between 2017 and 2022, now accounting for 36% of job vacancies.
Skills England will unite government, businesses, training providers, and unions to meet future skills needs across all regions. It supports local areas in developing skilled workforces, particularly in construction and healthcare, and aims to reduce reliance on overseas workers.
Skills England will be established in phases over the next 9 to 12 months, with functions transferring from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE). The first phase includes setting up the organisation within the DfE and assessing future skills needs while engaging with employers. A permanent board, Chair, and CEO will be appointed in due course.
The government will also bring forward a comprehensive strategy for post-16 education to support the development of a skilled workforce and drive economic growth.
Immigration and visas
UK Points-based immigration system
UK Points-based system
The UK's points-based immigration system: an introduction for employers
This guide provides an overview of the points-based immigration system and sets out the steps employers should take to adapt their business.
Migration Advisory Committee
Migration Advisory Committee
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is an independent, non-statutory, non-time limited, non-departmental public body that advises the government on migration issues.
UKRI Global talent visa
Employers and researchers, discover the benefits of the Global Talent visa. This specialist visa allows researchers and experts to work in the UK, contributing to cutting-edge projects. Whether you're an employer looking to bring in top talent or a researcher needing a visa to stay, find out how the Global Talent visa can facilitate your goals. Visit the UKRI's page for detailed information on eligibility and the application process.
Guidance for businesses offering work to people coming from Ukraine
Guidance for businesses offering work to people coming from Ukraine
This publication provides guidance for companies considering making offers of employment to people coming to the UK from Ukraine.
Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth
Developed by the Futures Group, a collaboration between the Science Industry Partnership (SIP), the Office for Life Sciences (OLS), the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the BioIndustry Association (BIA), and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the Life Sciences 2035: Developing the Skills for Future Growth report sets out a clear call to action for industry leaders and policymakers: the UK life sciences sector will require up to 145,000 skilled employees by 2035, including 75,000 new entrants to replace those exiting the workforce. This anticipated growth underscores the urgent need for a coordinated effort to strengthen the talent pipeline.
The report highlights three critical priorities to meet this demand: increased investment in education and workforce training, support for lifelong learning and career progression, and the creation of inclusive, flexible workplaces that can attract and retain a diverse, high-performing workforce.
With life sciences identified as a key pillar of the UK’s future economic growth agenda, the government is expected to release a sector-specific plan in the coming months, ahead of a full industrial strategy. Already among the country’s most dynamic and knowledge-intensive industries, the sector boasts a workforce where 70% hold a degree or equivalent qualification—almost twice the national average.
This report is both a roadmap and a rallying cry to ensure the UK remains globally competitive in life sciences by securing the skills needed for sustainable innovation and growth.
Lord Vallance, Science Minister said:
This is a valuable report. By fostering strong partnerships across the UK, we can train and attract top talent to meet the life sciences workforce needs for the future. It is important that we seize this opportunity to make a lasting impact, to grow the UK’s £108 billion life sciences sector.Life sciences have a significant role to play in our Plan for Change to grow the economy, create jobs and rebuild the NHS, and efforts like this will cement its place as a key pillar in our forthcoming Industrial Strategy.