REC Responds to First Migration Figures Since Referendum

Today’s publication of migration statistics by the government shows National Insurance number registrations to EU nationals has risen to 150,468 in the three months following the referendum, up from 140,530 in April-June 2016.

Recruitment and Employment Confederation Chief Executive Kevin Green says:

“Recruiters are telling us that the prospect of EU workers returning home in droves or being put off coming to the UK is a major concern. Today’s data showing that the volume of EU workers coming to the UK has stayed roughly constant in the quarter since the referendum will be a relief.

“We already have record low unemployment in the UK and employers have complained for a long time about how difficult it is to find the people they need. In engineering and technology firms, on construction sites, and in school and hospitals, there are more vacancies than there are the people to fill them.

“A quarter of businesses intend to hire more permanent staff in the medium term and employers in a range of sectors are reliant upon workers from the EU to help keep up with customer demand.

“Even if the government committed to investing in extra training places now, producing enough British-born nurses, teachers and engineers would take years not months and is a long-term solution to skills shortages. Employers must have continued access to workers from the EU to avoid a sharp loss of labour force capacity which the economy cannot afford.

“The government must ensure that any changes to immigration policy as a result of the EU negotiations reflect immediate labour market needs so that businesses can continue to grow and public services can continue to serve the British people.”

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. Full ONS/DWP data is available here
3. National Insurance number registrations to EU nationals in the months July-September 150,468. Up from 140,530 in the months April-June 2016. Click here for details.
4. A quarter of businesses intend to hire more permanent staff in medium term: see REC JobsOutlook November 2016.
5. 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