London: Information Technology (IT) specialists in Britain are up in arms over a decision by the British Home Office to appoint an Indian trade body to a panel that advises officials on Britain's work permit policy.

The specialists believe that appointing the India Business Group (IBG) to represent Indian software suppliers on the government's IT sector skills panel, will allow companies to take advantage of lax visa rules and bring in cheap labour from overseas, especially India.

"We are not opposed to having a strong employer input to the panel, but it should be through organisations representing industry sectors in the UK," Peter Skyte, the national organiser of the Amicus Union, was quoted as saying by 'The Telegraph'. By definition, the India Business Group can only represent the interests of Indian companies," he added.

According to the paper, existing panel members had objected to the move, but the Home Office had ignored their objections. Panel members felt the purpose of a work permit policy should reflect the interests of the home country.

The Home Office said, "The IBG is not there to represent the interests of Indian-based companies, but of Indian companies based in Britain."

The Indian High Commission supports the group.

ANI