The petty foibles of the Immigration Service

Change is a fact of life and usually taken as a given unless of course you happen to be the Home Office who carry on as if nothing has changed since 1900.  I recently had the misfortune to accompany a client to an interview at Heathrow Airport.  It took several calls and faxes (email is still new technology) most of which fell along the wayside but I was finally informed at 5.00pm that the interview would go ahead.   It was set for 10.00am in the morning.  When I got there I was nonchalantly informed that there were no staff available to carry out the interview and that I could expect to wait at least 1 to 1.5 hours. When I protested about the reason why an interview would be scheduled if no staff were available I was given short shrift. After all the Immigration Service are “not there to answer questions.” No they live in their ivory towers lording everyone about.   The interview finally took place at 3.30pm.  Worse was to come. The interview was held in conditions which are more appropriate for hot yoga sessions. I was tolerated at the interview, ignored mainly and made to stand throughout the interview whilst 2 rather large male officers sat on their backsides carrying out the interview.  I have written to complain since and guess what. I have not heard a thing.  Change happens everywhere but not at the Immigration Service.
Of late employers are beginning to complain about the fact that more and more administrative burdens are being placed on them which rightfully belong to Immigration officers. After all we are paying our taxes to pay their salaries.  These impositions are not just placed on employers who have sponsor licences but on all employers.  Is there a clear dividing line between what an employer should reasonably be expected to do and what is being foisted upon them? Whilst the aim is to cut down numbers, it cannot be right to place additional burdens on employers whenever they employ migrant staff.