EU Workers Shunning the UK when Looking for Work – REC

Today’s migration statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a fall in NET EU migration, driven by a fall in EU citizens coming to the UK for work. 

Commenting, Recruitment & Employment chief executive Neil Carberry says:

‘Today’s figures will worry employers who are already struggling to plug the labour shortages in key sectors. A decrease of available workers will dent UK business and jobs, stifle much needed growth and damage our competitiveness in areas such as food and distribution.

‘Employers need clarity. A post-Brexit immigration system that allows people to come from the EU and make a contribution could support business and enjoy public support – but it needs to be written into the Brexit deal.’

Ends

Notes to editors:  

 

1. For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 0207 009 2157/2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. An ISDN line is available for interviews on 0207 021 0584.

2. Annual Net EU migration fell 32,000 from +133,000 in year ending December 2016 to +101,000 in year ending December 2017. 

Annual EU Immigration for work-related reasons (i.e. for a ‘definite job’ or ‘looking for work’) fell 19,000 from 160,000 in year ending December 2016 to 141,000 in year ending December 2017. This was driven by a decrease of 18,000 in EU citizens coming to the UK looking for work.

The full ONS statistical release is available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/migrationstatisticsquarterlyreport/july2018revisedfrommaycoveringtheperiodtodecember2017  

3. Jobs transform lives, which is why we are building the best recruitment industry in the world. As the professional body for recruitment we’re determined to make businesses more successful by helping them secure the people they need. We are absolutely passionate and totally committed in this pursuit for recruiters, employers, and the people they hire. Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com