Australian hope for Rover workers

Thousands of Britons emigrate to Australia every year

Skilled workers at crisis-hit British car maker MG Rover could find new work in Australia, according to a specialist migration agency.

Severe labour shortages in Australia could offer some hope to MG Rover employees facing redundancy, the privately-run Visa Bureau has said.

MG Rover went into administration on Friday after rescue talks collapsed.

But skilled workers from MG Rover would be "in high demand" in Australia, the Visa Bureau said.

"MG Rover workers who are under 45, and who meet the skills requirement, are in an excellent position to move to Australia," said Oonagh Baerveldt, a spokeswoman for the London-based agency.

Skills shortage

For many Brits, it's an easy sell - the country offers a great quality of life, good weather and good value on the part of the dollar Oonagh Baerveldt, Australian Visa Bureau

Australia is keen to attract skilled UK car industry workers, including engineers, electricians, fitters, panel beaters and welders - both from Longbridge and smaller supply-side firms - the agency said.

MG Rover's Birmingham plant currently employs about 6,000 workers.

"If workers feel they are not in a position to retrain, they can apply to emigrate to Australia with the skills and experience they already have," Ms Baerveldt said.

The Visa Agency is one of a number of companies in the UK that specialises in helping would-be emigrants with their applications.

A successful application with the Visa Agency, including Australian government fees, could cost up to £3,000, the company said

Australia has a strictly managed immigration system. Under its points system of immigration, foreign workers on Australia's skills shortages list are given extra points when applying to live and work in the country.

Last year, about 18,000 British nationals emigrated to Australia, and the government in Canberra is thought to be considering raising immigration levels for skilled workers this year.

"For many Brits, it's an easy sell," Ms Baerveldt added. "The country offers a great quality of life, good weather and good value on the part of the dollar."