What you have quoted is simply the RLMT requirement, which comes from section 245H of the Immigration Rules. The requirement doesn't apply to people switching from Tier 4 to Tier 2, which is the situation the OP is in.It is not an internal policy, but a general trend based on tightening regulations. More and more job advertisements read this or a very similarly worded text: "The UK Government have taken steps to reduce net migration to the UK by limiting the number of overseas workers. Please note that whilst we are able to consider applications from workers from outside the EEA, we can only employ them if we can provide evidence that there are no other suitable candidates for this vacancy from inside the EEA." This appears to be based on legislation preventing employers from freely selecting international candidates. It reminds me of Australian law a few years ago. I am not aware what UK law the basis for this one might be. Anyone have more information on this?
@nipper. To apply for a Tier 2 visa your gf will need a Certificate of Sponsorship from her employer. To allocate a CoF the employer needs to enter into a UKBA database info about the post the candidate will be filling and the salary. Your gf doesn't need to have started work, but she needs a firm job offer.