[Barrie Yates]

When i went to live in France some 12 years ago there were plenty of jobs - but, to work as a tradesman or professional, no matter what your qualifications, you had to sit the local examinations which were all in French. A friend who qualified as a vet in her native Netherlands, and who had practiced OK in UK was not allowed to practice without qualifying all over again. I am a qualified electrical/electronics engineer, specialised in radar systems - got offered a job on radar systems but very low pay until I passed the French exams. Didn't even consider it, did electrical installation jobs for mainly expats.
If all immigrants had to pass the relevant exams - in English, then it would be a much better system as no benefits of any kind if they weren't in work for a substantial period.