Implications of the Tier 2 visa proposals to MAC

[SpokenHands]

The UK Government has announced on 10 June that it intends to tighten rules on non-EU skilled migrants - these focus on Tier 2 (General) and Tier 2 (ICT) routes. David Cameron has advised the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) of some of its proposals for further consideration. Noticed that there is already some opposition from British business groups to these proposals, but also realise the Govt. track record on non-EU Migration has been pretty consistent.

PM announces Migration Advisory Committee will consider new measures to reduce demand for migrant labour
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-a ... -committee

What do the experts on this forum think about these proposals:
1. Will the MAC endorse these proposals? Is this merely a formality?
2. Will these rules apply to Tier 2 extensions or only new Tier 2 applications?
3. Is the proposal that all Tier 2 (General) will be granted only if on the skills shortage list?
4. What is the specific levy to fund apprenticeships?

These are possibly early days, and we may not have answers to all these questions, but it does mark a change of direction in policy when skilled migration comes under the lens.