Special Report: Calls for migration reform

SOME of the Western Australia's top companies have cut or redeployed staff in recent weeks.

WESTERN Australian businesses may still have critical skills shortages to deal with, but in the current climate of uncertainty many employers are also looking for legal advice to potentially downsize their workforce.

BARELY known in Western Australia five years ago, the '457 temporary long-stay business visa' became part of the everyday language for WA businesses, as sourcing overseas workers became crucial for local operators' growth and survival.

THE skills shortage has been an important element in the changes to Perth's social fabric during the past five years.