WIREDGOV

News that the numbers of migrants from countries such as Poland are falling, and the numbers now leaving the UK is on the increase, has led us to ask ‘who will do the work?'

Our evidence shoes that the employment sectors most dependent on migrant workers from Eastern Europe are largely those same sectors, often low waged, with larger employment share in rural areas, such as agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, hotel and retail.

We're investigating the possibility that some rural communities and businesses could be vulnerable to an economic shock if there was to be a sudden slowdown or even a reversal of the current influx of migrant workers.

Recent findings from ippr highlighted the main factors that might be expected to lead to fewer migrants.

We're supporting further work by ippr to to examine the potential for immediate and possibly damaging consequences to businesses suddenly faced with shortages of labour and associated higher costs. 'The Economics of Migration’ will be aimed at government at all levels to inform their planning for the future.

Read our full statement asking 'Who will do the work?'