By June 2022 there has been a reduction in net migration to the UK of 540,000 people
London, Thanasis Gavos
The UK leaving the EU has one consequence labor force deficit in the country of 330,000 people, mainly in low-skilled jobs, according to a think tank estimate.
Researchers from the Center for European Reform (CER) and the organization “The United Kingdom in a Changing Europe” note in the report they published that while the finalization of Brexit in 2020 has led to an increase in immigration from third countries, the vacuum left by Europeans has not been adequately covered.
The two think tanks’ calculations are based on recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which show that by June 2022 there has been a fall in net migration to the UK of around 540,000 people.
To tease apart the impact of Brexit among this total, the researchers also used the ONS’s annual survey of qualitative changes in the country’s population.
So they came to the conclusion that if the freedom of movement between the EU and the UK had not been abolished and the immigration rules had not changed, there would be 460,000 more European citizens living in the UK today.
This deficit it was only partially covered by the 130,000 immigrants who have moved for permanent residence in the United Kingdom from countries outside the European Union,
Key shortages in a vibrant workforce are identified by researchers in six key areas for the UK economy.
Transport and warehousing saw the biggest impact, with a reduction of 128,000 Community workers, a figure corresponding to 8% of the total workforce in these sectors.
In the sector of wholesale and retail sales, the corresponding staff reduction reaches 3% of the sectors, i.e. the European employed are 103,000 fewer than they would be without Brexit.
Finally, in the manufacturing and construction sectors, as well as administrative positions, the reduction reaches 2%, i.e. 32,000 employed.
In sectors requiring higher skills, such as health, education and information and communication technologies, migration from third countries has exceeded the estimated loss of workers from the EU.
The report says that the data on the ground is consistent with the promises of Brexit supporters, i.e. reducing immigration from the EU, but leaves the labor market in short supply.
Just last month a House of Lords report pointed out that Britain’s shrinking workforce is threatening economic growth prospects and intensifying inflationary pressures. This warning was shared by the governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey.
That report attributed the problem partly to the EU’s abolition of free movement, but also to the decision to take early retirement for many Britons over 50.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
