The UK’s post-Brexit immigration system will deny visas to low-skilled workers, the government has said.

It is urging employers to “move away” from relying on “cheap labour” from Europe and invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology.

The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally after UK-EU free movement ends on 31 December.

Labour said the “hostile environment” will make it hard to attract workers.

The Home Office estimates 70% of EU workers currently in the UK would not meet the requirements if applying under the new system.

The salary threshold for skilled migrants will be lowered from £30,000 to £25,600, but those coming to the UK must already have a job offer and speak English.