Further Fall in EU Migration Will Put Strain on Businesses – REC

Further fall in EU migration will put strain on businesses – 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 Confederation director of policy Tom Hadley says:

“Today’s figures will be very worrying for businesses. This latest drop in the number of EU workers coming into the country will put a further strain on employers. We are already battling with skills shortages and this is a challenge for the whole labour market, at both graduate and non-graduate level.  

“Government can’t ignore any longer that Brexit is having an effect on the workforce. We urgently have to turn things around and make sure that EU workers still want to come to the UK. Employers need clarity so they can plan for the future and be able to invest in the growth of their businesses. We urge the government to come up with a post-Brexit immigration strategy that is based on evidence and will give businesses access to the workers they rely on. And this needs to include temporary and seasonal workers.”  

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 75,000 from +165,000 in year ending September 2016 to +90,000 in year ending September 2017. 

Annual EU Immigration for work-related reasons (i.e. for a ‘definite job’ or ‘looking for work’) fell 58,000 from 180,000 in year ending September 2016 to 122,000 in year ending September 2017.

The full ONS statistical release is available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/populationandmigration/internationalmigration/bulletins/migrationstatisticsquarterlyreport/february2018 

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