REC Response to ONS Migration Statistics

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

Commenting on the Statistics, Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) director of policy Tom Hadley says:

“The fact that the number of people coming to the UK from Europe for work has fallen to its lowest level since 2012 is worrying at a time when candidate shortages are increasing month on month across sectors as varied as technology, health and hospitality. Revising the £30,000 salary limit on visas for non UK citizens would be a big first step to developing an immigration strategy that protects key sectors including the NHS. We also need to do everything possible to reassure EU workers, especially in light of increased uncertainty following the PM’s resignation.  

“Our latest JobsOutlook data continues to tell us that employers have little or no spare capacity which is why an evidence-based immigration strategy is essential. By reforming the Apprenticeship Levy to enable more temporary workers to access training and progression opportunities, the Government could help provide much needed skills to the labour market. As well as helping employers and workers find the staff and roles they need, the UK’s £35.7 billion recruitment sector will continue to work with policy makers to find new solutions to evolving labour market challenges.”  

ENDS

Media enquiries:

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.

1. Overall net migration for the year ending December 2018 was +258,000.
2. An estimated 99,000 EU citizens came to the UK long-term to work in 2018, a level similar to 2012
   

The REC is all about brilliant recruitment, which drives our economy and delivers opportunity to millions. As the voice of the recruitment industry, we champion high standards, speak up for great recruiters, and help them grow. Recruitment is a powerful tool for companies and candidates to build better futures for themselves and a strong economy for the UK. Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com.