NHS to be caught out by visa law?

As I sit and watch the cricket, and our possible win(?) Im posting a story that may really kick the Aussies in when they are down.

An article issued in the Public Agenda supplement of the Times titled "Councils caught out by visa law" discusses the work shortage that local councils may soon, if not already, be finding themselves having. The problem is that since February, Vias Laws that apply to Australia as well as all Commonwealth countries (e.g. New Zealand & S.Africa) have changed - from allowing people to have a working holiday from 2 years to 1 year. Local councils are reporting real problems in hiring & keeping essential staff. As a member of the public my first thought is "are there really no local people able to work in local government?" but then I start to wonder - what the heck is going to happen to the NHS?

I have failed to find any statistics as to how many Commonwealth workers are currently being hired by the NHS but from anecdotal reports and my own observations it's pretty high. I wouldn't be to surprised if its as large as 20% in London. Locum work is an already massive cost to the NHS - with a reduction of "working holidaymakers" what are the predicted costs to the NHS?

Of course, every other Aussie or South African I come across seems to be either married to a Brit or has a dual-passport already so it may not matter a jot. So never mind.. perhaps the aussies will have the last laugh after all :)