LABOUR'S immigration policy poses a “critical economic threat” to Scotland, according to First Minister John Swinney.

The SNP leader’s comments come after the Prime Minister published a white paper outlining plans to further restrict immigration, extending the time people would have to stay in Britain before applying for settled status, ending visas for overseas care workers and cutting the time graduates can remain after leaving university.

Speaking at a conference on Thursday, Mr Swinney said he was “profoundly concerned by the direction of travel that is being taken on migration” by the UK government.

Noting Scotland’s ageing population and that 26 per cent of its care sector workers were from abroad, he warned: “If those individuals are not able to make a contribution to our social care system, then I don’t know how we will deliver a social care system in Scotland.

“I can see a significant economic threat to our prosperity if we do not have a more mature approach to immigration. This is a deadly serious issue for all of us.”

The UK government was contacted for comment.