Low skilled migrants will be allowed to work in the UK for up to a year post Brexit to help protect industries reliant on them, the Government has revealed.

The new measure – which will be in place until at least 2025 – was unveiled as part of the Government's proposed post-Brexit immigration system.

It said the move was designed to act as a "safety valve" for the economy and protect sectors that currently rely on low skilled labour, such as tourism and agriculture – two of Cumbria’s biggest industries.

The offer of work would be open to nationals from "specified low-risk countries", regardless of their skill level or whether they have a definite job offer.

Applicants would need to apply for a visa which would be limited to 12 months, at which point a "cooling-off" period will take effect, meaning they could not return under the same route for the next year.

While in the UK, they would not be entitled to access public funds or switch to other routes, bring dependant family members or seek permanent settlement.

The short-term measure – which will come in to place after December 2020 – forms part of the most significant shake-up of the immigration regime for more than 40 years, set out in a long-awaited White Paper. 

Admitting that some sectors, which also include construction and social care, will struggle to adapt to immediate and strong restrictions on unskilled workers, the paper said: "We have listened to the concerns of businesses ... and so there will be a route allowing temporary short-term workers to come for a year."

The paper added that the numbers admitted through the route may also be restricted, while the Government stressed it was a "transitory" measure and would be subject to a full review by 2025.

Meanwhile, there will be a new visa route for skilled workers, who will be entitled to stay for longer, bring dependants and in some cases settle permanently. This would be open to migrants from all countries, provided they are sponsored by an employer.

As expected, the numerical cap on skilled workers - currently 20,700 a year - would be axed.

While the Government intends to impose a minimum salary threshold, the paper stopped short of committing to a specific figure following widespread opposition to proposals that it should be £30,000 – a figure that would have a particular impact on the healthcare sector and NHS.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the measure, along with the wider immigration proposals would “boost our economy and benefit the British people”.

The Government’s immigration white paper has met with strong criticism from business leaders in Cumbria.

Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said the organisation has been lobbying for 18 months to ensure the final proposals to not damage the county’s £2.9billion tourism sector.

“Our research clearly demonstrates that due to the seasonal spikes of visitors, many hospitality businesses require a unique mix of labour - including both overseas workers and local employees – to fill the labour gaps throughout the year,” she added.