NIESR: Latest immigration figures show UK is losing some of its charm to EU migrants

3 Dec 2018 01:03 PM

The National Institute’s Associate Research Director Dr Heather Rolfe recently commented on the latest immigration figures.

The National Institute’s Associate Research Director Dr Heather Rolfe recently said:

“As the Prime Minister faces a show-down in Parliament and tours the UK in a ‘charm offensive’, she is expected to turn to immigration to gain support for her deal. The Immigration White Paper may finally be published next week to assist this refocus. But the migration statistics out today indicate serious challenges are ahead. Net migration of EU migrants is now at its lowest level since 2012. Employers are reporting serious labour and skills shortages and two reports out this week by NIESR and UK in a Changing Europe indicate that reduced migration will contribute to the damage resulting from the PM’s deal”.

She added:

“Repeated announcements that free movement will end have undoubtedly made other EU destinations, or staying put, more appealing. The Prime Minister might be advised to include EU migrants in her charm offensive. Leaked proposals for new immigration policywould appear to make the UK an even less attractive option. As these are unveiled we can expect net EU migration to fall even further, long before they are implemented”. 

You can now read a full blog on this topic by our ARD Heather Rolfe here

Notes for editors:

For further information and to arrange interviews, please contact the NIESR Press Office:
Luca Pieri on 020 7654 1932 / l.pieri@niesr.ac.uk   

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