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IMPACT – HIGH
The Migration Advisory Committee has published an interim report on the progress of its research into current and future EEA migration and its impact on the United Kingdom. The report summarizes written responses from 417 businesses, organizations and individuals to its call for evidence—a record number of responses to a MAC project—which will form part of the evidence base for the committee’s recommendations on the U.K.’s immigration system when any Brexit transition period ends (expected 2021). The MAC divided its report into two broad categories: (1) employer responses regarding employment of EEA workers, and (2) regional government responses on the impact of EEA migrants on population and demographic issues. The key points arising out of the employer responses on business immigration are summarized below.
Key points:
The full interim report can be viewed here.
BAL Analysis: The interim report does not make recommendations on EEA migration or a future U.K. immigration system—those will be left for the final report, which is due in September – and the MAC warns against jumping to premature conclusions. However, the report demonstrates that the MAC has received certain key messages from U.K. employers: that restrictions on EEA migration would have a negative impact on business and the U.K. economy across a broad range of sectors; that retained access to low-, medium- and high-skilled EEA labor is necessary; and that the current Tier 2 is too restrictive. In turn, the MAC has made clear that it considers that the best migration policy is that which delivers the highest quality of life for U.K. residents and that a thriving economy is only one means to this end. Employer responses and business demands will not be taken at face value and will be weighed against other impacts. In particular, the MAC has been robust in suggesting that employers (particularly those relying on lower-skilled migration) should expect to invest funds in both short- and long-term training, technology and other productivity innovations, and pay higher wages in order to attract and retain workers in a future competitive jobs market.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in the United Kingdom. For additional information, please contact uk@bal.com.
Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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