Policy background Language Requirement for public sector workers
The Conservative Party Manifesto commits the Government to legislate to ensure that every public sector worker operating in a customer-facing role must speak fluent English. The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock, Minister for the Cabinet Office, announced on 2 August 2015 that the Immigration Act would implement this commitment. The Act will require public sector bodies to comply with a statutory duty and guidance will be provided in a code of practice. A consultation on the content of the code of practice was published on 13 October 2015. The Government response was published in February 2016.