The government honouring the result of the referendum by bringing in tough measures to curb immigration, a Cabinet minister said today.

Sir Michael Fallon said ending free movement was necessary to reduce inflows after a leaked document outlined a new post-Brexit system.

The proposals included action to slash the number of low-skilled EU workers and force bosses to put British workers first.

A ‘direct numerical cap’ on immigration could be imposed when the UK leaves the 28-nation EU in March 2019, according to the Home Office report.

Asked about the document, Defence Secretary Sir Michael stressed that the government would spell out its plans later this year.

But he made clear ministers' determination to meet the Tory target for reducing annual net migration below 100,000 a year.

'This is our target,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today. 'We need to get immigration down and we need to show the public that it is being properly controlled.' 

Under the blueprint, low-skilled workers would be allowed to stay for only one or two years while professionals could apply for five-year visas. To give preference to British workers, firms would have to pass a rigorous ‘economic needs test’ before recruiting EU nationals lacking higher qualifications.

The 82-page document says migration policy will be determined by the UK national interest, ensuring social cohesion and reducing the number of arrivals.

The paper said: ‘To be considered valuable to the country as a whole, immigration should benefit not just the migrants themselves but make existing residents better off.’

The radical proposals include:

• An immediate end to free movement after Brexit;
• Jobseekers will not be given residence permits;
• The rights of EU nationals to bring in family members will be dramatically curtailed;
• Transitional controls will last around two years before a new system is imposed;
• EU citizens will need passports to enter the UK, not just identity cards.