DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (EMP-087) issued by The Government News
Network on 11 June 2008
Migrants coming to
the UK from Eastern Europe have not caused unemployment or stopped
UK workers from finding jobs, according to research published today.
The research, 'The impact of migration from the new European
Union Member States on native workers' concludes that new
migrants have not had an impact on the numbers claiming
unemployment benefits in the UK, or had a significant impact on wages.
Welcoming the research Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform
Stephen Timms said:
"Migrants from Eastern Europe have come to the UK to work
and have been a benefit to our economy, allowing companies to grow
and create more jobs. As this research shows these migrants have
not taken jobs away from British workers and have not impacted on wages.
"The numbers of people claiming unemployment benefits are at
levels as low as 30 years ago, while the number of vacancies in
the economy continue to rise. What we need to do now is ensure we
continue helping those young people with low skills to get the
training and support they need to make the most of the
opportunities which exist."
As well as this research paper from the DWP, the Home Office has
published the Government's response to the House of Lords
Economic Affairs Committee's report into the economic
benefits of migration.
Notes to editors
1. The research report 'The impact of migration from the new
European Union Member States on the UK Labour Market' is
published by the DWP today and is available on the website at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
2. The Government response to the House of Lords Economic Affairs
Committee's report into the economic benefits of migration is
published today by the Home office.